Super agent Ali Barat emerges as frontrunner to handle JJ Gabriel's Man Utd exit

Ali Barat, the founder of agency Epic Sports and one of European football’s most prominent deal-makers, has emerged as the frontrunner to represent Manchester United’s 15-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel as the teenager seeks a move away from Old Trafford.

Because players under the age of 16 cannot formally sign with an agent until they reach scholarship terms, no contract has yet been formalised. Despite that, Barat has already begun facilitating talks between Gabriel’s family and two of Europe’s biggest clubs — Real Madrid and Bayern Munich — positioning himself as the key intermediary in what could become one of the most closely watched academy exits in recent memory.

Barat’s agency, Epic Sports, has grown rapidly into one of the most powerful player representation firms in top European football. He has been named Best Agent at the Golden Boy awards on multiple occasions, and his client roster reflects that standing. Among his primary clients are Aston Villa striker Nicolas Jackson, Tottenham attacker Xavi Simons, and Real Madrid defender Denzel Dumfries.

The agent’s profile in the Premier League was raised significantly in 2023 when he served as a central intermediary in Moises Caicedo’s £115 million move from Brighton to Chelsea — a deal that set a new record as the most expensive transfer in Premier League history at the time.

Barat’s recent deal-making extends well beyond that landmark. He has been involved in Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich, Noni Madueke’s transfer to Arsenal, Dean Huijsen’s move to Real Madrid, Romelu Lukaku’s switch to Napoli, and the signing of young Ecuadorian talent Kendry Paez by Chelsea.

Gabriel’s situation at Manchester United has attracted considerable attention given his age and the calibre of clubs reportedly interested. Should Barat complete his representation of the teenager, it would add another high-profile name to an already expansive portfolio — and potentially deliver United’s academy another high-profile departure to a continental rival.