JJ Gabriel has told Man United of his desire to leave the club in a big blow to Michael Carrick
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel has asked to leave Man Utd (Image: Getty)
JJ Gabriel is expected to cause a clamour of clubs fighting for his signature after telling Manchester United that he wants to leave the club with immediate effect. The 15-year-old is one of the highest-rated young players in world football.
The plan was for him to make his first-team debut in United’s Carabao Cup clash against Brighton on Wednesday night. The situation now means that there is major doubt over that.
He could now become a free agent, with the teenager requesting that United cancel his registration. He has been with the club since he was 11 years old, with United yet to accept the request. Under current rules, the 15-year-old is registered with United until the end of the season.
Premier League rules regarding players under 17 mean they can’t sign professional contracts. They also have to be 16 to sign scholarship agreements. Gabriel does not turn 16 until next month.
If an agreement is reached between all parties, then registrations can be cancelled. The rules add: “If the parties don’t agree, then any person involved can also ask the Premier League to provide a binding decision on a termination request.”
If the forward’s registration with United is terminated, he will be free to join another club. Manchester City have previously tried to lure him away from their city rivals, and they could potentially reignite their interest.
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel was in line to make his Manchester United debut this week (Image: Getty)
Several young players have moved between the two clubs in recent seasons. Most recently, David Eze and Karim Cassim have moved to Manchester United from Man City.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked with the youngster and are likely to keep a close eye on the situation. Liverpool could also potentially look to take advantage.
The Reds have moved to snap up some of the country’s most exciting talent in recent years, including Trey Nyoni, who joined from Leicester City in 2023 and Rio Ngumoha, who signed from Chelsea a year later.
TalkSPORT reports that Gabriel has interest from two Premier League clubs as well as clubs in La Liga and in Germany. Interest from the Bundesliga also opens the possibility of moves to either Borussia Dortmund or Bayern Munich.
The former have had success in bringing English talent through their pathway. Both Jadon Sancho and Jamie Gittens enjoyed success with the club before moving back to the Premier League.
One club that will be unable to sign him is Chelsea. The Blues were handed a nine-month academy transfer ban back in March, which means they are not allowed to sign any youth players.
The club were handed the ban and a £10 million fine by an independent appeal board after admitting breaches of Football Association agent rules. The club self-reported the breaches in May 2022, during the process of Roman Abramovich's sale of the club.