Jorge Mendes has reportedly entered the battle to represent JJ Gabriel as Manchester United face a crucial two weeks in their attempts to retain one of the most highly rated players in their academy. Gabriel turns 16 on 6 October, after which he will be able to formally appoint an agent.
The Daily Mail reports that United effectively have until then to try to change the teenager’s mind, with the club increasingly expecting him to leave. The representation surrounding Gabriel has now become another significant part of the story, with Ali Barat reportedly advising the player’s camp while Mendes is said to be competing for the opportunity to formally represent him.
Mendes is one of the most influential agents in world football, and his involvement underlines the level of interest developing around Gabriel. The Mail reports that the player’s camp has already held discussions with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, although there is no confirmation that Gabriel has agreed to join any of those clubs.
United are still attempting to retain him, although recent developments suggest the task is becoming increasingly difficult. The club reportedly does not expect Gabriel to return to Carrington in the immediate future.
His Irish nationality could also become important if Gabriel decides his future lies outside England. Reports have suggested it may provide a route for him to move to a club within the European Union while still a minor, subject to FIFA approval and the educational and welfare requirements governing such transfers.
That possibility gives the October 6 date additional significance. Gabriel’s 16th birthday is not a transfer deadline, but it represents a point at which the formal representation around his future can change and decisions over his next move could begin to accelerate.
There have also been signs of the changing situation inside United. Gabriel remained listed in the match programme for the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton last Wednesday, when he could have broken United’s record as the youngest player to represent the first team. Four days later, his name had reportedly disappeared from the programme for the Premier League match against Fulham.
That does not establish that a departure has been agreed, but it adds to the indications that Gabriel’s immediate involvement with United has changed while discussions over his future continue.
Wayne Rooney has already provided further context to the situation. Rooney, whose son Kai has played alongside Gabriel in United’s academy, says the youngster’s desire to eventually play in Spain has been known for several years. Rooney has also defended United’s handling of Gabriel, saying the club has done “absolutely everything” possible to convince him to remain at Old Trafford.
The latest developments suggest that effort is now entering a particularly important period. United are competing not only with some of Europe’s biggest clubs for Gabriel’s future, but a contest is also developing over who will represent him as those decisions are made.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have all reportedly spoken with Gabriel’s camp. Mendes and Barat are now linked with his representation, but there is still no confirmed agreement determining where Gabriel will play next.
For United, the immediate focus is therefore on the period leading up to 6 October. It may not be a formal transfer deadline, but Gabriel’s 16th birthday increasingly looks like the next major turning point in a battle to retain one of the most coveted players in the club’s academy.
