Fabrizio Romano has provided a fresh update on JJ Gabriel’s future, with Manchester United still trying to convince the 15-year-old to remain at Old Trafford despite his desire to leave.
JJ Gabriel has been regarded internally at Manchester United as one of the best talents to come through the academy, making the current situation particularly difficult for the club. The teenager, who turns 16 in October, has reportedly asked for his contract to be terminated and is currently not training with the team.
Fabrizio Romano says United remain shocked by how quickly the situation has developed, but the club are not prepared to simply walk away from one of their most highly-rated academy players.
The transfer expert explained that United want to keep JJ Gabriel, but they have no intention of forcing him to stay against his wishes.
“It’s a really complicated situation from several points of view, because when you have a wonderkid like JJ Gabriel, 15 years old and about to turn 16 in October, obviously you want to keep him,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“They absolutely want to keep him and want to continue with him. They are still in shock with what happened in recent days.”
Man Utd will hold talks with JJ Gabriel’s family
Romano says United’s next step will be discussions involving JJ Gabriel, his father Joe O’Cearuill and his representatives in an attempt to find a solution.
“What United want to make sure is that if there is even a small chance to continue together with JJ Gabriel, to resolve the situation and to keep him at the club, it has to be with the right attitude and the right feeling.”
The club’s position is clear, according to Romano. They want Gabriel to stay, but do not want to create a situation where the youngster is being forced into remaining at United.
“United don’t want to force anyone. Obviously they want to keep the boy. Obviously they don’t want to lose one of the best talents in the world at 15 years old, but at the same time they don’t want to force anyone.”
Romano also believes this could become a situation involving the most senior figures at United, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the directors and the manager.
However, there is still a significant obstacle. JJ Gabriel currently wants to leave, wants his contract terminated and is not training.
Jamie Carragher has also criticised the role of parents, particularly in these cases, as highlighted in our report of the same matter.
Real Madrid and Barcelona emerge as leading options
Should Gabriel eventually leave United, Spain is currently viewed as the most likely destination.
Romano says Real Madrid and Barcelona are both involved, with the former currently seen as the leading option. Other major clubs have also made contact, including Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and unnamed English sides.
Manchester City’s interest is particularly notable because they came close to signing Gabriel before he eventually chose to remain at United.
That previous decision means there is already a history between the teenager and City, but Romano believes Spain now holds the strongest appeal.
“So obviously Spain today is seen as the most attractive destination for the boy, while we wait to understand what’s going to happen.”
For now, United are still fighting to change Gabriel’s mind. The club’s chances may not be particularly high, but Romano insists they have not given up, leaving the teenager’s future unresolved.
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