The proposal serves two purposes: to persuade Gabriel to stay with Manchester United and to bolster the club’s legal and financial standing if he chooses to join another team. Gabriel has reportedly expressed a desire to leave and has been absent from training for more than three weeks. The looming possibility of a transfer has kept the club’s staff focused on retaining the teenager.
Real Madrid are considered favorites to sign Gabriel, with reports suggesting the Spanish giants have gained an advantage and that Gabriel views a move to Madrid favorably. If the teenage star were to move abroad, Manchester United could receive a compensation notably lower than what might be earned if he joined another English club, with figures cited around £350,000 (~€400,000). Other top clubs watching the situation include Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, who are all monitoring Gabriel’s development.
Gabriel’s future has become a delicate issue for Manchester United. He requested the cancellation of his registration with the football authorities earlier in the season and has since operated outside the club’s regular training routine. United regard him as one of the academy’s most valuable prospects and are pursuing every option to secure his future before accepting the possibility of losing him.
An important factor in the potential move is Gabriel’s European citizenship, which could simplify a transfer within the European Union, subject to FIFA eligibility requirements. Manchester United are also reviewing possible irregularities in other clubs’ approaches to the player.
The scholarship contract offer marks a renewed push by United to salvage a situation that could see one of English football’s most promising young talents depart. As things stand, Real Madrid appear to be ahead in the race for his signature, with Barcelona also among the clubs expressing interest.
