Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel favours Real Madrid and Barcelona despite Bayern talks

Bayern Munich have stepped up their efforts to sign Manchester United academy forward JJ Gabriel by holding further discussions with the teenager’s representatives, according to Sky Sport Germany.

However, the German champions have yet to make a formal offer for the 16-year-old. Bayern therefore remain in contention, but have not taken the next official step towards securing his transfer.

The latest talks have strengthened communication between the club and Gabriel’s camp, but have not produced an agreement or led to any clear progress towards a move to Munich.

At present, the player is understood to favour a move to Spain. Real Madrid and Barcelona are leading the race and are regarded as having the strongest chances of signing him. Both clubs continue to pursue Gabriel and can offer sporting projects that currently appeal to him more strongly.

Financial obstacle remains

The overall cost of the transfer is expected to be a major obstacle for every interested club.

Sky Sport Germany reports that the fee would be well above the €10m to €15m range, reaching a level considered significant even for a player viewed as an exceptional prospect.

That means interested clubs will need to offer more than an attractive sporting plan. They must also be prepared to make a substantial investment in Gabriel’s future, with the combination of sporting appeal and financial commitment likely to determine his eventual destination.

Who is JJ Gabriel?

Gabriel turned 16 on 6 October and plays as a forward in Manchester United’s academy. He has not yet made a competitive appearance for the first team, although he did feature in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid.

In September, Gabriel told Manchester United that he wanted to leave and formally requested the cancellation of his academy contract, which expires at the end of the current season. United are not legally obliged to accept that request.

His decision came days after he scored a hat-trick on his debut in the UEFA Youth League against Azerbaijani club Sabah.

Gabriel had been expected to sign a scholarship agreement with Manchester United when he turned 16, followed by a professional contract at the age of 17. That process now appears unlikely to go ahead.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund acknowledged the club’s interest in Gabriel in an interview with Bild in September.

“We know the player because he is very, very talented. An exceptional talent. But I can’t say more than that,” Freund said.