Real Madrid and Barcelona have made their moves to sign Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel, according to Spanish publication Sport (page 12).
Gabriel has decided to move on from the Red Devils, and he has already declined the opportunity to sign a scholarship contract after turning 16 this month.
A switch to La Liga seems likely, and Spanish outlet Sport claim that Gabriel’s new super-agent Ali Barat has already received proposals from Madrid and Barcelona.
The former are leading the pursuit of the youngster. Madrid are prepared to meet the player’s salary demands and the future sporting requirements.
Sport cite that a package worth £8.4 million is likely to be agreed upon for a three-year contract, as well as the commission for his representative, Barat.
Barcelona are yet to oblige the request, but the player’s camp have repeatedly reiterated Gabriel’s desire to join them if the minimal requirements are met.
JJ Gabriel poised to leave United
The 16-year-old was expected to be named in the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion last month before he made a surprise decision.
Gabriel personally asked United to de-register him from the academy squad, which meant manager Michael Carrick had to ignore him for the League Cup encounter against the Seagulls.
The youngster scored a brilliant hat-trick in his last game for the United Under-19s against Sabah in the Youth Champions League, and that may well be his final appearance for the club’s academy.
Gabriel has not featured since September 10, and Sport claim that his agent and his family are expected to announce his next destination very soon. It could well happen before the month ends.
The teenager has an Irish passport through his father, which means that he can move to Spain with Madrid or Barcelona before turning 18, which would be impossible for a British citizen after Brexit.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com