JJ Gabriel set for Man Utd exit
(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel ahead of the next transfer window.
The 16-year-old emerged as a target for Bayern after requesting that the Old Trafford club terminate his registration.
We covered a report this month that Bayern were still in contact with the player’s camp, but the player is unlikely to move to Germany.
JJ Gabriel future: Off To Spain?
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Gabriel is expected to join Real Madrid from Man Utd during the January transfer window.
Although the deal has not yet been finalised, negotiations are at an advanced stage, with the youngster set to sign a long-term contract with Los Blancos.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona had shown strong interest in the teenager, while Manchester United also tried to convince him to stay at Old Trafford, but Real Madrid have won the race for his signature.
Christian Falk has confirmed the report from Ornstein, adding that while Bayern’s interest was genuine, they were not willing to match Madrid’s offer for Gabriel.
Bayern suffer yet another transfer blow?
Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel stands on the pitch.
(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
The Bavarian giants are currently experiencing a mini-crisis in their attacking department.
Ismael Saibari has undergone surgery on a ligament injury, while Serge Gnabry has been ruled out for the remainder of the year with a hamstring problem.
With Luis Diaz and Jamal Musiala also sidelined, Bayern’s attacking depth has come under considerable strain.
Moreover, Bayern need a natural left winger to complement Diaz, which explains their strong interest in Gabriel, who scored 29 goals in 32 appearances for Manchester United’s Under-18s.
There had been suggestions that Bayern could look to do some business in January, but Falk has confirmed that any move for a winger will only take place in the summer.
The youngster is widely regarded as one of Manchester United’s most exciting prospects, but he has grown frustrated with his lack of opportunities at Old Trafford.
Missing out on a talent like Gabriel is undoubtedly a blow for Bayern, but perhaps more concerning is their recurring inability to land targets who ultimately join Spanish clubs.
During the summer transfer window, Bayern were linked with moves for Anthony Gordon and Yan Diomande, but the Bavarian giants missed out on both, with the pair instead joining Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.