Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has told the club he wants to leave in a bombshell setback for the Red Devils, though Liverpool could now be prepared to pounce
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League 2 match between Manchester United and Ipswich Town
JJ Gabriel has asked to leave Manchester United(Image: (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images))
Liverpool could be among a whole host of teams in England and across Europe who will be keeping a close eye on developments surrounding Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel.
The 15-year-old forward may have put teams on red alert after a report from The Telegraph claimed that he has asked to leave the Red Devils, in a shocking development.
Gabriel, who has been likened to Lionel Messi in some quarters, has sent in a formal notice to cancel his registration with Manchester United, which would make him a free agent if the request is granted. While Man United can challenge that decision from the youngster, the club is in an awkward position, as he cannot sign a scholarship until the age of 16, and his first professional contract cannot be signed until the age of 17.
The current rules state that all parties must agree to the cancellation request, that being the player, their parent or carer, and the club, though the Old Trafford outfit can challenge the request.
If an agreement isn't reached, then the Premier League can be approached for input and a decision on the request, which could result in the eventual termination of any agreement.
As it stands, the report claims that Man United don't view the situation as irretrievable, and there is belief that Gabriel can stay with the club for the foreseeable future.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United U21 in action during the Premier League 2 match between Manchester United U21 and Leicester City U21
JJ Gabriel could leave Manchester United(Image: (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images))
If he is available, however, then the England youth international will certainly be intriguing plenty of teams as a free agent option as he continues to progress through the academy ranks.
Having been likened to Messi in recent years, a huge race is likely to be underway for top clubs to sign him. There has been a growing trend of teams at the top of the game vacuuming up talent from various different academies to bring through players before they hit the senior soccer scene.
Liverpool has been among those pushing the hardest, with Rio Ngumoha joining from Chelsea after years of development there, which the Reds are now benefiting from.
Trey Nyoni is similar, having come through the ranks at Leicester City before his move to Merseyside, showing that the club is able to put the groundwork in with scouting at youth level to create talent at the top. This summer saw Samuel Martinez become the latest signing within this model of recruitment, joining from Atletico Nacional next summer when he turns 18.
Not only is this for reasons on the pitch, but off the pitch there is a clear profit incentive. Clubs will be able to land talent for a fraction of the going transfer market rates, which have spiralled in recent years with inflation on some of the top talent. By signing them earlier, clubs can save huge amounts.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool will join the race for JJ Gabriel, should he become available, but it would be quite the surprise if it wasn't.