Representatives of Manchester United teenage sensation JJ Gabriel have reportedly opened talks with Barcelona as the highly-rated youngster considers leaving Old Trafford.
According to reports, the 15-year-old has travelled to Barcelona and is currently in discussions with the Catalan club over a potential move.
Barcelona are not alone in monitoring the situation, with several of Europe’s leading clubs also understood to have expressed an interest in Gabriel. Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have reportedly made enquiries about the youngster’s availability as uncertainty continues to surround his future at United.
Carrick Urges Caution
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick was asked about Gabriel’s situation on Friday during his pre-match press conference ahead of the club’s Premier League meeting with Fulham.
Carrick refused to discuss the details of the situation, instead stressing the importance of protecting the teenager from unnecessary attention and scrutiny.
“He’s a young boy, JJ, and I think it’s important we don’t play anything out here,” he said.
“With the exposure and scrutiny and everything, you got to be careful and be sensible and think of him as much as anything.
The situation will work itself out, whatever way it’s going to work itself out. Making sure he’s OK is the important thing.”
The comments come as United attempt to determine the best way forward regarding one of the most highly-rated players to emerge from their academy.
What Happens Next?
If Manchester United retain Gabriel’s registration, the teenager would reportedly be prevented from joining another English club until the end of the season.
However, his options could be different if he is able to obtain an EU passport through his family background. His father is a former Republic of Ireland international, while his mother has Greek-Cypriot heritage.
Gabriel turns 16 on October 6, and obtaining EU citizenship could potentially allow him to join a club within the European Union once he reaches that age, subject to the relevant registration and transfer regulations.
Should he eventually leave United, UEFA regulations could also restrict the competitions in which he is able to represent another club during the current season.
Why Does Gabriel Want to Leave?
The situation is understood to have developed partly from frustration within Gabriel’s camp after the youngster was not registered for United’s Champions League opening fixture against Sabah FK.
United won the match 4-0, but Gabriel’s omission reportedly contributed to growing dissatisfaction and ultimately to his representatives requesting his departure.
With Barcelona now involved alongside interest from several other major European clubs, Manchester United face an important decision over the future of a teenager they have regarded as one of their most promising academy talents.
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