Manchester United have rejected JJ Gabriel's request for his registration to be cancelled.
DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 12: JJ Gabriel of Manchester United inspects the pitch ahead of kick off prior to the pre-season friend
DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 12: JJ Gabriel of Manchester United inspects the pitch ahead of kick off prior to the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Croke Park on August 12, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images) (Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United have turned down JJ Gabriel's request to have his registration with the club cancelled, though the 15-year-old appears close to departing Old Trafford. He is currently in Spain holding discussions with Barcelona. Gabriel's representatives lodged a formal application for United to de-register him this week, but the club rejected it while continuing efforts to persuade the youngster to remain at Old Trafford.
However, that now seems an increasingly futile endeavour, with Gabriel and his team currently in Spain and potentially set to hold discussions with Real Madrid and Barcelona regarding a transfer next month. While United have Gabriel tied to a contract until the conclusion of this season, there is precedent for him to relocate abroad after turning 16 on October 6 if he possesses an EU passport, utilising a FIFA loophole to join Barcelona or Real Madrid.
He could secure eligibility through his father's Irish heritage or his mother's Cypriot roots, with reports in Spain indicating he will obtain the necessary documentation to finalise a move next week. It is understood he does indeed hold an Irish passport.
Any transfer would still require FIFA authorisation. United can present scholarship terms to Gabriel from his 16th birthday and while he now looks certain to depart, doing so should guarantee they receive modest compensation.
The club were left shocked by his request to depart this week, with Gabriel absent from Carrington since netting a hat-trick against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League last Thursday.
He was scheduled to train with the senior squad before potentially being named in the matchday group to face Brighton on Wednesday, where he could have set a new record as the club's youngest-ever player.
Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
His representatives believe assurances regarding first-team opportunities have not been honoured, prompting them to seek Gabriel's exit from the club.
He featured for just eight minutes in pre-season fixtures and was omitted from the club's Champions League squad list, preventing him from making his debut against Sabah last week.
Michael Carrick was questioned about the ongoing situation surrounding the academy prospect during his press conference before the Fulham fixture, but emphasised the responsibility towards the 15-year-old.
"I think I'd just repeat what I said the other day, really," he said. "I think he's a young boy, JJ, and I think it's important that we certainly don't put anything out here.
"I think the exposure and the scrutiny and everything that, you got to be careful and be sensible and think of him as much as anything, so the situation will work itself out, whatever way it's going to work itself out. Making sure he's okay is the important thing."