The 2022-23 winter transfer window differed from its predecessors as we saw record money being paid to acquire top talents. Ukranian sensation Mykhaylo Mudryk, World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, Cody Gakpo, and Leandro Trossard were some of the biggest names to change clubs in the window. However, some top young talents were also acquired in the window, and one of them is Gabriele Biancheri, who has joined Manchester United.
The 16-year-old is a product of the Cardiff City youth system and was a late acquisition in the winter transfer window. Hailed as one of the best talents to come out of Wales, Biancheri was chased by a lot of clubs, but United managed to fend off every one of them to his signature.
Manchester United already have some of the top youngsters in their squad, such as Alejandro Garnacho, Zidane Iqbal, and Facundo Pellistri, and now have added another gem in Gabriele Biancheri to the list.
So, who is Gabriele Biancheri, and how good is he?
Who is Gabriele Biancheri?
Gabriele Biancheri first came into the limelight in the 2021-22 season when he played for Cardiff City’s under-16 squad. His quick feet inside the box, which helped him score many goals, made him one of the best players in the team. This caught the attention of several top clubs across England, such as Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
And after just 11 games for the under-16s, it was clear that he was too talented for the level and thus, he was given a direct promotion to the under-21s. Of course, that would have been a massive challenge for any other player, but Biancheri was unfazed by it and didn’t let the the high level of football affect his performances.
At the same time, he was also being watched by his national side, which gave him his debut for the under-17s side in a 2-0 loss to France. This season he has made two more appearances against Croatia (where he provided an assist) and Sweden in the under-17 UEFA European Championship qualifiers.
Gabriele Biancheri stats
In his first season with the under-16s, Gabriele Biancheri played 11 games. However, in these 11 games, he scored 17 goals, an outstanding return in his very first season. On top of that, he also provided five assists for the team, making a brilliant impression for all to see. The highlight of the season came against Bristol City, where he scored a brace.
11 games
17 goals
5 assistsThere’s no stopping @Gabe_b9 right now 👏#BeUnique
— Unique Sports Group (@UniqueSG) November 26, 2022
This season he has maintained his impressive output scoring seven goals in 12 matches. One of his most brilliant performances came against Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he almost scored one of the goals of the season, which showed how high his ceiling is.
Gabriele Biancheri potential and style of play
Gabriele Baincheri has been described as a very quick forward who has made a name for himself running in behind the opposition’s defence. He is also an adept dribbler and an impeccable passer of the ball. The reason behind his versatility is that he has played all across the front line and also as a number 10.
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This certainly will also be a key at a club of Manchester United’s stature, where a young player is not guaranteed a fixed playing positioning at the start of his career. On top of that, Biancheri is also an expert at making well-timed runs and loses his man at just the right moment.
The player is also at 16 and still has ample experience of playing at levels far above his age which will help him at clubs of United’s level.
Gabriele Biancheri at Manchester United
Since Gabriele Biancheri is below the age of 17, he is currently on a scholarship contract and can only sign a professional contract in September. However, United are already preparing for his first professional contract, which will be for four years. The club is currently waiting for approval from FIFA before they move forward.
Manchester United are set to complete the signing of young talent 2006-born striker Gabriele Biancheri from Cardiff City 🔴🏴🤝🏻 #MUFC
Understand it’s 4 year pro contract now completed, just waiting for Fifa approval to finalise the deal. pic.twitter.com/ZnslrA9J4C
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 14, 2023
Biancheri will have the perfect atmosphere at Manchester United to hone his skills further. However, at the same time, he must also continuously develop for a year or two before he could even think about representing the first team.
For now, though, United have a gem on their hand, and it remains to be seen if he will be the successor to the legacy of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.