Meet the agent playing a major role in JJ Gabriel’s Manchester United transfer saga

Prominent football agent Ali Barat is poised to play an integral role in teenage forward JJ Gabriel's expected departure from Manchester United. Gabriel turned 16 on Tuesday, enabling him to sign with an EU club due to holding an EU passport. The youngster recently departed Carrington to train in Spain after his representatives became frustrated over his omission from United's senior Champions League matchday squad.

Barat runs Epic Sports and previously orchestrated major transfers including Nicolas Jackson's switch to Bayern Munich and Dean Huijsen's move to Real Madrid. Alongside Gabriel's father, former Republic of Ireland international Joe O'Cearuill, Barat is navigating interest from elite European sides, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea all reportedly monitoring the situation.