JJ Gabriel has been one of the most talked-about prospects in English football for some time, and his future is now dominating the conversation at Manchester United.
The academy forward, who turned 16 on October 6, has made it clear he wants to leave Old Trafford, with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs circling.
Fresh details have now emerged over what it would take to land him, and the figures involved are staggering for a player yet to make a competitive senior appearance.
Why JJ Gabriel wants to leave Man Utd
Gabriel asked to leave United in September, just before he was set to be involved in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, a game that could have made him the club’s youngest-ever player. United rejected his request to be de-registered and have tried to persuade him to stay, as he missed out on that opportunity.
His camp had reportedly sought the No.77 shirt, ‘Gabriel JR’ printed on the back, and at least 20 minutes of action against Sabah, Brighton and Bournemouth. United still want to keep him, but his departure looks increasingly likely.
It is easy to see why so many clubs want him. Gabriel has scored 29 goals and provided four assists in 32 appearances for United’s Under-18s. However, with Michael Carrick’s side looking to consolidate last year’s performances, coupled with a difficult start to this season, giving minutes to a wonderkid is far down the list of their current priorities.
JJ Gabriel’s salary demands revealed
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Gabriel’s camp is seeking a seven-figure salary of at least €1 million-per-year. That works out to around €19k-per-week. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has since suggested the true figure is significantly higher, with an “exorbitant” signing-on fee also said to be part of the package.
Gabriel’s camp has held fresh talks with Bayern Munich, but no offer has been made, with the German champions yet to receive a commitment from the player. Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are said to have already been turned down.
Instead, Gabriel is understood to be leaning towards Spain, with Real Madrid and Barcelona the favourites. A January move is planned, with his camp pursuing a Cypriot passport, and alternative routes in place should that fall through. Should he move abroad, United would only be entitled to training compensation, reported to be around £350,000.
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