Manchester United have been hit by a major academy setback with 15-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel reportedly asking to leave the club.
JJ Gabriel and his representatives have formally asked Manchester United to cancel his registration, as per The Telegraph, which would allow the highly-rated teenager to become a free agent. The club have not accepted the request and remains hopeful of resolving the situation.
The development comes just days after JJ Gabriel starred for United in the UEFA Youth League, scoring a hat-trick against Sabah. He had also been involved in Michael Carrick’s first-team plans during pre-season and was expected to feature in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton.
United still hope to keep JJ Gabriel
Gabriel has been with United since the age of 11 and progressed rapidly through the academy, playing U18 football at just 14.
He became the youngest winner of the club’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last season after scoring more than 20 goals for the U18s. His performances had put him firmly on the path towards senior football.
However, the teenager’s future is now uncertain. Gabriel recently removed Manchester United-related content from his Instagram account, adding to speculation that his relationship with the club had changed.
The situation is not considered irretrievable, but United cannot simply cancel his registration without agreement from all parties.
Premier League rules state that a youth registration can only be cancelled if the club, player and parent or carer agree. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Premier League can make a binding decision on a termination request.
Gabriel turns 16 on October 6, meaning he cannot sign a scholarship agreement until then or a professional contract until he turns 17.
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