Manchester United's 15-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel is set to leave Old Trafford after requesting de-registration.
Gabriel of Manchester United reacts after the FA Youth Cup Final match between Manchester City
JJ Gabriel is in talks with European giants. (Image: Getty Images)
Super agent Ali Barat has been instrumental in arranging discussions between JJ Gabriel's family and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, having emerged as a pivotal figure in the 15-year-old's future. Manchester United officials have expressed some astonishment at the involvement of one of football's most high-profile agents in Gabriel's affairs, with the youngster now appearing set for a transfer to Europe following his attempt to depart Old Trafford.
While a player cannot be officially represented by an agent until turning 16 and becoming eligible to sign scholarship contracts, Barat and his Epic Sports agency are leading contenders to represent Gabriel, having secured interest from Real Madrid and Bayern for his services.
Though Gabriel's family had previously established connections with Barcelona, with United aware of the Catalan side's pursuit for at least four years during a courtship that has included the teenager meeting Neymar and Lamine Yamal, Barat has succeeded in generating additional attention around one of the most gifted players of his age group.
Gabriel surprised United by requesting to be de-registered last week, a procedure that would have enabled him to leave the club as a free agent. United have refused that application, but the teenager hasn't been spotted at the club since netting a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League victory over Sabah on September 10, and it's deemed unlikely he will now make a return.
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Both sides remain uncertain following United's rejection of Gabriel's request to leave the club. Nevertheless, the youngster and his representatives have been holding discussions on the continent with elite clubs eager to secure his signature when he reaches 16 on October 6.
A FIFA loophole means the game's governing body could authorise Gabriel's move to the continent at that point because he qualifies for an EU passport, though some doubt exists over whether he currently possesses the necessary paperwork.
While his father was born in London, he represented the Republic of Ireland through his parents, which should entitle Gabriel to an Irish passport. His mother is also Cypriot, which would similarly satisfy the eligibility criteria.
Manchester United Training Session
JJ Gabriel was in first-team training. (Image: Getty)
Should Gabriel reach an agreement to relocate to Europe, FIFA must approve the transfer, which would only entitle United to a six-figure compensation payment for a player they have invested considerable resources in developing.
The club acquiring Gabriel must meet several requirements set by FIFA for the transfer to proceed, including an educational provision. Gabriel is currently homeschooled, which raises questions about how that aspect will be resolved.
According to FIFA regulations, the club receiving the player must "guarantee academic, school and/or vocational education or training in addition to football development, so the player can pursue a career outside football if necessary."
Gabriel's choice to represent United in the UEFA Youth League fixture against Sabah has rendered him ineligible to feature for another side in that tournament this campaign.
While he is eager to begin featuring in senior football, there are doubts about whether he will accomplish that this season under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, with the Spanish heavyweights believed to be frontrunners in the pursuit of Gabriel.