JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Manchester United’s efforts to retain teenage prospect JJ Gabriel have been complicated by five demands from the youngster’s representatives, with Barcelona and Real Madrid monitoring the situation ahead of a potential move in January.
According to SPORT, the requests included a specific first-team shirt number, a personalised name on the jersey, exclusive access to senior training, guaranteed playing time and a lucrative contract.
The negotiations have broken down, leaving United increasingly resigned to losing the young forward despite attempts to convince him to stay.
The developments could matter for Barcelona, who have been linked with the Manchester United academy talent alongside Real Madrid.
With a decision expected around January, the details of the disagreement offer a clearer picture of why his future at Old Trafford has become uncertain.
As such, Manchester United reportedly tried to demonstrate their commitment to Gabriel by creating a development plan and arranging a meeting involving the player, his family and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Manchester United tried their best to renew JJ Gabriel’s contract. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
However, subsequent discussions with his representatives proved more difficult.
On that note, Gabriel’s camp requested the number 77 shirt for his first-team appearances and wanted the name ‘Gabriel JR’ printed on the back.
United accepted the shirt-number request and even approached the Premier League for permission to use the requested name.
The bigger disagreement concerned his training arrangements. When United asked Gabriel to train with the Under-21s, his representatives objected, viewing a return to academy football as a step backwards.
They instead wanted him to train exclusively with the first team under Michael Carrick.
The requests extended beyond training and personal branding, as Gabriel’s representatives allegedly sought a guarantee of at least 20 minutes of first-team football in three fixtures: the matches against Sabah and Brighton, which had already taken place, and the upcoming Premier League game against Bournemouth.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Barcelona know signing JJ Gabriel will not be a piece of cake. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
United did not grant the request. Gabriel was left off the club’s Champions League A-list and was not selected for the Brighton fixture, according to the report.
The fifth point concerned money. His representatives were seeking a seven-figure annual contract, another demand United reportedly rejected.
With the relationship deteriorating, United have accepted that Gabriel could leave, although they still hope to receive more than the €400,000 they are entitled to in training compensation.
For Barcelona, the situation is a potential opportunity to compete with Real Madrid for one of England’s most closely watched young prospects.
However, the reported demands also show the importance of agreeing on a clear development pathway before any transfer progresses.