Gabriel, 16, pushes for free January exit from Man United as Barcelona and Real Madrid offer 'XXL' packages

JJ Gabriel has told Manchester United he wants to cancel his registration and depart on a free transfer in January, with Barcelona and Real Madrid described as ‘very concrete’ suitors ready to offer the teenager an ‘XXL package’ of salary, bonuses and signing-on fees, according to reports in Germany.

Gabriel, born in 2010 and only recently turned 16, cannot be de-registered without the agreement of all parties, but his age now allows him to negotiate a move abroad. He holds Irish, UK and potentially Cypriot passports — the latter through his mother — which would grant him automatic free-movement rights into an EU country and simplify any transfer to a continental club.

United were left stunned by Gabriel’s decision. The teenager had been set to feature in the Carabao Cup squad for the match against Brighton last month, a game in which he would have become the club’s youngest-ever player, surpassing David Gaskell, who was 16 years and 19 days old on his debut in 1956. United still believe the situation can be resolved, with the player having time remaining on his contract.

Bayern Munich have held fresh talks and are not giving up on a deal, while Paris Saint-Germain are described as ‘lurking’ in the background. Gabriel trained in Barcelona during the extended international break and held talks with the Catalan club, though sporting director Deco publicly downplayed any interest.

“There’s nothing to say about this boy,” Deco said on 24 September. “We are not interested in any player in his situation. 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.”

Gabriel’s most recent appearance for United came in a 5-0 UEFA Youth League victory against Sabah last month. Manchester United Under-21s head coach Michael Carrick urged caution when asked about the midfielder ahead of his side’s trip to Fulham. “He’s a young boy — it’s important we don’t put anything out here,” Carrick said. “The exposure and scrutiny we have to be careful about. We have to be sensible and think about him. The situation will work itself out.”