a day ago
Man Utd tie down ‘Kid Messi', 14, to new deal after crucial intervention and he's already been playing for U18s
FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has signed a new deal to keep him at Old Trafford.
Gabriel, dubbed 'kid Messi' by fans, had appeared set to move amid interest from some of Europe's biggest club.
3
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich were all said to be ready to swoop.
But, according to the Mail, a crucial intervention from club officials persuaded him to commit his future to the Red Devils.
It is claimed that talks with director of football Jason Wilcox and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves convinced the young star to stay.
Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel played futsal as a child alongside footballing spells at Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham.
Since his move to the north-west, he has been touted as one of United's most promising prospects, earning his 'kid Messi ' moniker.
Ironically, it was kid Ronaldo with whom the youngster formed a bond, with Gabriel and Cristiano Ronaldo Jr reportedly growing close during their time in the Man Utd academy together.
Now the young forward, born in 2010, is starting to make waves playing well above his years in the club's u18 setup.
The move up a level has not slowed him down, netting three times in his three appearances in the u18 Premier League.
The hype surrounding his development has led to a significant boot deal with Nike which the sun reported could be worth up to six-figures.
First-team boss Ruben Amorim has handed minutes to several promising Man Utd youngsters since his arrival last year, and will keep a keen eye on Gabriel over the upcoming campaign.
Rashford Exit Incoming? Barcelona Push for Surprise Loan Deal!
Young prospects Harry Amass, Ayden Heaven, Toby Collyer and Chido Obi all made appearances for the senior team in the Premier League this season.
More established stars such as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have also walked the pathway from the academy to the first team at the club in recent years, suggesting the opportunities are there for Gabriel should he continue to improve.
3
