Manchester United academy prospect JJ-Gabriel turned 16 on October 6, reaching the legal age to sign his first professional contract and triggering a new stage in the competition for his signature, according to Sport.
The highly rated attacking midfielder has reportedly told Manchester United’s sporting management that he does not want to remain at Old Trafford. He is understood to feel that he has not received enough opportunities to progress towards the first team and is seeking a change of environment.
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are among the clubs being linked with a move for the teenager. Several leading European sides are monitoring the situation closely as Manchester United considers how best to protect its position.
Sources in England say Manchester United is examining potential regulatory and legal options in the event that JJ-Gabriel leaves the club. Turning 16 does not automatically make the player a free agent, as he remains registered with the FA by Manchester United, but his birthday represents an important moment in the dispute over his future.
Interest from Barcelona has grown in recent weeks. JJ-Gabriel has reportedly been working with a personal coach in Castelldefels and visiting local specialists as he maintains his fitness.
JJ-Gabriel joined Manchester United when he was 11 and is regarded as one of the leading players in his age group. The club had planned an accelerated route into its first-team set-up, but the player and his representatives believe the expected opportunities have failed to appear.
His situation is also affected by his eligibility to move within Europe. The attacking midfielder obtained EU nationality through his family, which would make a transfer to another European country easier under the international regulations governing minors.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and the other interested clubs are now following developments before deciding whether to make formal approaches. Manchester United, meanwhile, is prepared to make every effort to retain a prospect it considers particularly significant.
JJ-Gabriel is expected to assess all the offers available before choosing the option he believes will provide the best environment for his future development.