On 6th October, JJ Gabriel celebrated his 16th birthday.
And that marked a significant milestone in his journey as a football player as he can now sign his first professional contract.
Unfortunately for Manchester United, the club that have nurtured him and had high hopes that he could become one of their future stars, it does not look like it will be with them, with reports suggesting that the teenager and his representatives are considering opportunities elsewhere.
Chelsea have been linked with Gabriel, but a move abroad could prove more attractive. Real Madrid and Barcelona are among the clubs reported to be monitoring his position, although any transfer involving a player of his age would have to comply with FIFA’s regulations governing international transfers of minors.
Gabriel’s Irish passport could potentially facilitate a move within the European Union, although the precise circumstances of any transfer would still require approval.
For United, the financial implications are almost irrelevant compared with the possible sporting loss. Academy players who leave at this stage do not command anything resembling the transfer fees attached to established first-team players. United would instead be entitled to compensation reflecting Gabriel’s development.
That could leave the club receiving only a relatively modest sum for a player who might eventually become worth considerably more.
There is no guarantee that a highly-rated youngster will become an elite player. The journey from outstanding academy prospect to senior international football is littered with players who failed to fulfil early expectations.
But for a club that once prided itself on the ability of its academy to produce a crop of first-team stars and international players this is a blow to their prestige and points to their decline as a major power in European football.
Should he go on to fulfil his considerable potential elsewhere, the relatively small compensation United receive will offer little consolation.
