Few clubs in world football take as much pride in their academy as Manchester United. From the Busby Babes to the Class of ’92, and more recently stars like Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, bringing through homegrown talent has long been part of the club’s identity.
JJ Gabriel move to Barcelona off
That tradition has been thrown into turmoil this month by JJ Gabriel. The 15-year-old forward has asked to leave Old Trafford with immediate effect, just weeks after making his senior debut in pre-season and scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut.
Gabriel requested that his United registration be cancelled before he turns 16 on 6 October. That is the date he becomes eligible for a scholarship, and the timing means he would be free to sign elsewhere. United’s hierarchy were surprised by the decision and remain unclear on his reasons.
Speculation over his next destination has been rife, and Fabrizio Romano addressed it earlier this week.
“The camp of JJ Gabriel are having conversations with clubs,” said Romano. “I told you in all my videos this week that Real Madrid, Barcelona and more clubs. Spain is more than likely, but there are other clubs in the race.
“This is the situation, it’s not that JJ Gabriel travelled to Barcelona to negotiate directly with Barca, personally with Barca, or to sign with Barca. That’s not the case. They are talking, the camp of the player, his family, his representatives, to discuss about the future.”
Reports on United’s stance have differed. Spanish outlet Sport claimed the club had given up trying to change his mind and he will almost certainly head to La Liga, while ESPN reports that United have not completely abandoned hope of keeping him, with Michael Carrick confirming he is involved in the discussions.
Football FanCast also understand that United are considering legal action to have a tribunal set a fee, citing alleged interference from super agent Ali Barat.
One of the reported options now appears to be off the table. Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit this week, Barcelona sporting director Deco firmly distanced the Spanish champions from Gabriel.
“There’s nothing to say about this boy,” Deco said. “It’s normal that players are linked with us. It always happens. There’s a huge market for that with a lot of interests involved, even when [players] are young.
“But we are not interested in any player in his situation. I’m not sure what’s happening, and if he’s still a Manchester United player. We are not involved in that.
“First of all, we need to understand how the situation is before we try to do something. To speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business.”
That does not end the saga, with Real Madrid still believed to be in the picture, but it does narrow the field of potential suitors and call off at least one of the possible moves for the wantaway teenager.
Manchester United agree six-year deal for Liverpool teenager
Whatever happens with Gabriel, United are already strengthening their academy. According to The Athletic, the Red Devils have secured a deal to sign 16-year-old winger Isaac Konde from Liverpool.
Konde will begin with a one-year scholarship and then sign a professional contract for a further five years once he turns 17, which ties him to Old Trafford for six years in total.
Konde has been on Liverpool’s books since joining their Under-9s in 2018. He is mainly a winger but can also play through the middle, and he made six appearances for the Under-18s last season, providing one assist.
Liverpool will receive compensation, which reports suggest could eventually reach seven figures, but a tribunal would only be needed if the two clubs fail to agree a fee.
Konde’s move is the latest in a growing number of transfers between the academies of England’s biggest clubs. Liverpool lost England Under-16s striker Vincent Joseph to Arsenal last week, and the Gunners also signed James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye from United in the summer.
United have been busy themselves, confirming the arrival of 17-year-old midfielder Karim Cassim from Manchester City on Thursday, with fellow City midfielder David Eze set to follow him across the city.
With Gabriel’s future uncertain, United will hope these additions keep the academy’s reputation intact.
