ไทย
English
中國人
Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has spoken glowingly about Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel, as reports emerging from Germany shed light on just how seriously the Bundesliga title holders are pursuing the youngster.
At only 15 years of age, Gabriel has an incredibly bright future ahead of him. The teenager is widely regarded as one of the finest players in his age bracket, and United are battling to retain him following a formal request to cancel his contract.
United are not legally required to grant Gabriel's exit request — his youth deal runs through to the end of the campaign — but clubs throughout Europe are queuing up to secure the signature of a player long considered a potentially once-in-a-generation talent.
When asked by German outlet BILD whether Bayern are involved in the pursuit, Freund offered a measured response: "We know the player because he is very, very talented. An exceptional talent. But I can't say anything more about it."
• OPINION: At the Heart of the JJ Gabriel Storm Is a Child Who Needs Protecting
Bayern's 'Close Contact' With Gabriel
"Not at the moment," Freund said when questioned about whether Bayern are in negotiations over a potential move for Gabriel. BILD, however, suggests that statement may not tell the whole story.
The report alleges that Bayern have maintained "close contact" with Gabriel and his father, who acts as the 15-year-old's representative, since February, when the Bundesliga powerhouse made their interest in signing Gabriel known should the chance present itself.
It is emphasised that Bayern cannot be discounted from the race to land Gabriel, even if early indications point toward his next destination being elsewhere.
All Signs Point to Real Madrid
Gabriel and his family are understood to be carefully considering offers from across the continent, with clubs prepared to provide first-team guarantees that United were unable to match. The Red Devils are reported to have been willing to hand Gabriel his senior debut during their midweek loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, just days after his stunning departure request became public.
Fabrizio Romano disclosed earlier this week that Real Madrid are currently at the front of the queue to sign Gabriel, a claim that has since been corroborated by several outlets in both England and Spain.
More recently, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic reported that Madrid are "very confident" of clinching the deal for Gabriel, whose acquisition would cost no more than €1 million ($1.2 million) in compensation fees.
Madrid's proposal to Gabriel is not anticipated to include an immediate place in the first team. Rather, he is envisioned as a signing for Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve side that competes in the third tier of Spain's senior football pyramid.
A move to Spain would provide Gabriel with direct exposure to senior football — albeit at a relatively modest level — until he is considered ready to step up to José Mourinho's first-team setup.