Manchester United were left stunned by 15-year-old JJ Gabriel’s decision to inform the club of his desire to leave
JJ Gabriel’s Manchester United departure could cost the club millions after news emerged that the 15-year-old wanted his contract ripped up. The teenager refused to train this week ahead of a potential first-team debut and reports suggest that losing the talented forward could see the club pick up a mere six figures.
According to the Daily Mail, Gabriel and his family have dreamt of a move to Spain with Real Madrid and Barcelona among the clubs but a switch outside of England could cost United dearly. It has been said that the club would be due around £300,000 from a move abroad while a move within the country would be worth significantly more.
Gabriel owns an Irish passport, which means he is eligible to join a team in Europe at 16, an age he will turn in a matter of weeks.
English players are only allowed to leave the club to go abroad at the age of 18 under current rules, but moves within professional clubs can be lucrative, with Liverpool paying at least £2.8million to Chelsea for a then 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha two years ago.
United were left stunned by the talent’s expression to terminate his current deal in the North West.
Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, as well as the Spanish giants are said to be interested in Gabriel’s services but United face a difficult task of fending off suitors when he turns 16 on October 9.
Gabriel had been in line to be included in the squad for the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup, fresh off the back of his hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League win over Sabah, however that now looks unlikely to happen.
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Old Trafford figures are unsure of what caused the 15-year-old to want to leave the club, but his recent activity initially sparked concern when he deleted all trace of United on his social media profile last week.
Gabriel has become a first-team regular in preparations under Michael Carrick and was handed his debut in pre-season against Atletico Madrid in Sweden.
The 15-year-old would have become the fourth youngest Premier League appearance maker had he come on against Hull City on the opening day of the season.
But their defeat and the manner of the game, restricted that opportunity, while the 5-2 win over Ipswich also posed ample opportunity.
MEN understands that United feel like they have done all they can to prove to the teenager that he is the clubs future but he will not be afforded the chance to become the youngest ever player in Wednesday’s League Cup third-round tie.
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