Image credit: Action Images/Andrew Boyers
The clock is ticking for Manchester United to try and convince JJ Gabriel to stay and commit his future to the club and they risk losing him for just £300,000 in two weeks' time.
Gabriel stunned United when he asked for his registration to be terminated so that he could seek a move elsewhere. This came just ahead of the Red Devils' Carabao Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion in which he had been expected to make his senior debut.
The main motivation behind the 15-year-old's desire to leave is said to be the club's decline and reports indicate that his father has been on bad terms with club officials. Viewed as one of the most exciting academy prospects in years, there is a chance he heads for the exit door next month.
JJ Gabriel Could Leave Man Utd in Two Weeks
JJ Gabriel
Gabriel has since not trained with United's youth team and speculation has grown over a move abroad. The Daily Mail reports that since the teenage prospect turns 16 in two weeks' time, he'll be eligible to be represented by an agent.
The Enfield-born wonderkid can also join a foreign club using his Irish passport and super-agents Ali Barat and Jorge Mendes are trying to secure his signature. GIVEMESPORT sources understand that Real Madrid are a leading contender to sign the youngster, while Barcelona are also in the picture.
Gabriel has reportedly been in Spain while not playing for United's youth sides, holding talks with both La Liga clubs. There is still a chance that he remains in the Premier League and even at Old Trafford, as the club are still hopeful they can convince him that he's in the right place to develop.
If the Red Devils' higher-ups fail in their attempts to secure his long-term future, there is a real possibility they will only make £300,000 in training compensation. That's if they terminate his contract, allowing him to make the switch abroad after his 16th birthday on October 6th.
The Importance of JJ Gabriel's Father
Action Images / Paul Thomas
Gabriel's Irish roots come from his father, Joe O'Cearuill, who represented the Republic of Ireland during his international career. The former Arsenal youth defender has been suggested as playing a major role in the teenager's shock decision to push for an Old Trafford departure.
O’Cearuill is believed to view Gabriel in a similar light to Lamine Yamal, believing that he's equally gifted as the Barcelona star who broke into the La Liga giants' senior team at the age of 16. A move to Camp Nou could be on the cards for the England U17 international, but for some United fans, they question his chances of receiving senior football at such a club.
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel
Gabriel can also obtain an EU passport due to his mother, who holds a Cypriot passport. It's a desperate situation for the Red Devils' chiefs who deem the player to be the best 15-year-old footballer in Europe.