Manchester United are considering legal action against the agent of 15-year-old sensation JJ Gabriel over a potential exit amid strong interest from Manchester City and other major European clubs, according to reports.
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The academy talent, who has been dubbed a future star due to his distinctive style and exciting technical ability, decided he wanted to leave Manchester United last month, with Manchester City one of the clubs interested.
In his pursuit of finding a new challenge, Gabriel’s departure dealt a huge blow to United, who find themselves trying to weather a poor run of form, having won one of their opening five Premier League games this season.
While he played no part in the first team during his time at the club, the 2010-born attacker managed to score 34 goals in 35 games, all while providing six assists across various levels of the academy.
Manchester City “made serious efforts” to sign 15-year-old JJ Gabriel from Man Utd, new reports have revealed, with one former Etihad Stadium employee crucial in preventing the switch.cityxtra.co.ukRevealed: Manchester United wonderkid rejects transfer approach from Manchester City
Manchester City “made serious efforts” to sign 15-year-old JJ Gabriel from Man Utd, new reports have revealed, with one former Etihad Stadium employee crucial in preventing the switch.
Red Devils Consider Legal Action Against JJ Gabriel’s Agent and Whichever Club He Joins
Since he announced his immediate departure from Old Trafford in the middle of September, multiple European giants have taken a liking to the attacking midfielder, including City, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
According to The Sun, a dream move for Gabriel may come with as much detriment as it does excitement and optimism, however, because if the wonderkid moves abroad, United would only be entitled to a small compensation fee, raising the possibility of legal action against his agent and whoever he may join.
On the day it was revealed that Gabriel wanted to leave United, his agent, Ali Barat, received authorisation from the FA to represent minors. Barat’s agency, Epic Sports, managed the transfers of Denzel Dumfries to Real and Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa, showcasing their ties with major European outfits.
Barat immediately began pitching Gabriel to his continental allies following the announcement of his Old Trafford departure and, to his fortune, the 15-year-old holds an Irish passport, which, under FA regulations, allows him to move to a European club at 16, bypassing post-Brexit restrictions that prevent non-EU English players from moving abroad until they’re 18.
Man City or Elsewhere in Europe - What’s Next for JJ Gabriel?
While Manchester City have monitored Gabriel for several months, notably having an approach rejected by United earlier this year, it is clear that the youngster wants a switch abroad to kickstart his early professional career.
Landing an agent of Barat’s reputation and stature is a statement as to where and what Gabriel hopes for in the future, with the England youth international training at the same Barcelona camp that he spent time in the summer.
Epic, the agency that represents him, were approached for comment by The Sun, while the FA didn't respond on whether any agent had lodged registration of Gabriel.
It remains to be seen whether Manchester City formalise their interest in Gabriel, who has also received strong interest from clubs abroad and could decide to trod upon an increasingly famous route among the best up-and-coming talents, to test themselves in a foreign league, often with the lure of a faster ladder to top-flight football.