Bayern Munich remain in contact with Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel and are considering a move for the 16-year-old in the winter transfer window, according to blogger CFBayern-Insider.
Gabriel has told Manchester United that he wants to leave Old Trafford. The club have not officially confirmed his departure, but the teenager is widely expected to move on within the next year.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are also reportedly interested in Gabriel, while Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with him. Bayern are understood to be among the three major clubs pursuing the highly rated attacker most actively.
Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has previously spoken publicly about his admiration for Gabriel, while the German club remain focused on developing young players for the future.
Bild reporter Falk previously outlined the background to the situation. He has now told CFBayern Insider exclusively that Bayern continue to speak to Gabriel’s representatives about a possible transfer.
Bayern’s current injury problems could increase the urgency of any move. Ismael Saibari has undergone surgery on a ligament tear, while Gnabry is out for the season. Jamal Musiala and Luis Diaz are also dealing with injury concerns, leaving Bayern potentially short of options in attack.
The club are expected to need a new left winger in the summer transfer window in any case. Falk believes Bayern should move for Gabriel now rather than wait until the summer, when they could face competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
A January transfer could also suit Gabriel, Falk said. The player would have the rest of the season to settle in at a new club and could benefit from meaningful first-team opportunities because of Bayern’s injury situation.
Why Gabriel may leave Manchester United
Gabriel previously asked to leave despite Manchester United making efforts over recent weeks to resolve their differences with the player and his family.
He joined the Manchester United academy aged 11 and has since emerged as one of the most exciting young attackers in world football. Gabriel scored 29 goals in 32 appearances for Manchester United’s Under-18 side before being invited to train with the first team during pre-season.
However, he has not yet made his senior debut.
Gabriel’s representatives wanted assurances that he would receive regular playing time. Manchester United were unable to guarantee that, leading to substantial disagreement between the two sides over the best route for his development.
If Gabriel eventually leaves for a club abroad, Manchester United may receive only a small youth compensation payment rather than a significant transfer fee.
