JJ Gabriel's 'very likely' destination revealed after Man United latest
Manchester United cannot win when it comes to how JJ Gabriel's future may develop if he leaves in the coming weeks.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the starlet's parents have leaned into the hype surrounding their "golden child."
Gabriel has asked to leave the Old Trafford outfit, and could potentially walk away for free to join a top European club when he turns 16 on 6 October.
Wyness believes that Spain is a "very likely" destination for the 15-year-old prodigy right now, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid sniffing around him.
The forward and his family have reportedly already held talks with the pair of La Liga giants over a potential move to Spain.
United have been caught off guard by the fallout over Gabriel's future, and cannot tie him down to a scholarship deal until his 16th birthday.
Man United could be 'pilloried forever'
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that United will face an endless world of embarrassment if Gabriel leaves and becomes a generational talent.
The Scottish businessman made it clear that the Red Devils simply cannot win if the youngster departs, as multiple scenarios could potentially reflect badly on them.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained how Gabriel's father has been the driving factor behind the whole saga.
"It seems to be that everyone believes he is the talent that's going to be the next breakthrough, but I've seen it before. And, you know, there's always a risk," he said.
"We all know that if he goes to Real Madrid, then he becomes a superstar. United will be pilloried forever. And yet, if something happens and he fades away, then everybody will forget about him.
"You're in a no-win situation. But certainly, all I'd stress is it's very difficult for any club. If the father in particular is leading the charge on this, and he's got agents in his ear, it becomes a very difficult situation.
"I'm afraid they believe that their son is the golden child, and they just won't believe anything else, and they're encouraged to think that; it's a very difficult thing to do (change their mind).
"So we'll see where it goes, but it does seem as though he's been distracted, and it would seem that Spain is a very likely destination."
Man United have made 'huge mistake' with JJ Gabriel
Former United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on Monday that his former club have made a "huge mistake" with the way they've handled Gabriel.
The ex-recruitment man made it clear that the Red Devils had to get every single small decision right in terms of the forward's development, and they haven't managed that.
Brown made it clear that while Gabriel and his family must take some blame for the way they have handled the situation, United have made a "huge mistake" by not foreseeing this scenario.
They now face the very real prospect of losing one of their most exciting young talents in a generation, as a result of poor planning.