JJ Gabriel has indicated he wants to leave Manchester United, and the 15-year-old could walk away from Old Trafford next month using a transfer loophole.
Manchester United U21 v Ipswich Town U21: Premier League 2
JJ Gabriel has expressed a desire to leave Manchester United immediately (Image: Getty)
Manchester United are nervous that JJ Gabriel may leave the club when he turns 16 next month to join a European club - after the player this week declared that he wishes to leave Old Trafford. There are worries that United will be unable to prevent Gabriel from departing on October 6 and moving to a continental club, utilising his Irish passport to bypass rules that would typically offer United stronger protection.
The exceptionally gifted 15-year-old was expected to be in contention to become United's youngest-ever player this week, with a spot in the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton on the cards. However, Gabriel threw away that opportunity when he declined to train this week, with his representatives informing club officials he wished to depart immediately, requesting United cancel his registration. Club sources maintain this isn't something they can actually do.
The breaking point seems to have been Gabriel being overlooked for a Champions League debut against minnows Sabah last Thursday, when he was instead selected for the UEFA Youth League squad and netted a hat-trick at Leigh Sports Village.
Being under 16, Gabriel would have needed to be included in UEFA's 'A' list within United's squad, so when he wasn't named in that group, a debut against the Azerbaijani opposition became impossible.
He hasn't yet featured in a matchday squad in the Premier League this season, though that is hardly unexpected, and he managed just eight senior minutes across six pre-season fixtures.
United have demonstrated a clear pathway to the first-team squad for Gabriel, with the youngster having trained under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick. He had been informed he would feature in the matchday squad for the Brighton fixture.
The pressing question now concerns whether he will ever represent the United first team. Barcelona have made a substantial effort to attract Gabriel and his family, while Chelsea are eager to bring the London-born talent back to the capital. Real Madrid have also expressed interest.
Gabriel cannot transfer to another Premier League side until the end of this campaign unless United terminate his contract, but as he's eligible for an Irish passport, he can sign for a European outfit when he reaches 16 on October 6.
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Manchester United U21 v Leicester City U21: U21 Premier League
JJ Gabriel could leave Manchester United to move abroad in October (Image: Getty)
The club are examining whether they will be powerless to prevent such a move next month, with rules on the matter remaining ambiguous. There are concerns that previous cases indicate Gabriel could utilise a loophole to depart and join Real, Barcelona, or another continental side. Such a transfer would require FIFA authorisation.
Nevertheless, United haven't abandoned hope of retaining Gabriel, with high-level talks ongoing to attempt to resolve the situation. Not everyone within the industry is convinced he will depart Old Trafford.
One club regarded as a potential destination for the teenager believes the saga will conclude with him penning a deal to remain at United, and the timing has prompted some scepticism.
Gabriel becomes eligible to sign scholarship terms with the club on his 16th birthday, with the club having planned to begin negotiations on 6th October.
These discussions could also encompass a pre-contract agreement for a professional deal upon turning 17, and an improved offer could yet help to repair the strained relationship.
Unless the player and his representatives are absolutely certain that the EU loophole will permit him to leave, the decision to refuse to train and request a departure appears to have come at a rather puzzling moment.
While there is little question that those in the player's camp harbour genuine frustration over how the start of the season has unfolded, United were never going to simply tear up his registration and allow a generational talent to walk straight into the hands of a rival club without putting up a fight.
It is also worth noting that United have already committed significant time and resources to Gabriel's development, and even should he choose not to remain at the club, they would seek the maximum possible compensation. That simply would not be achievable were they to allow him to become a free agent.
Should the dispute continue to stall, Gabriel risks squandering a crucial season of his development at precisely the moment he appeared on the verge of breaking into the first-team squad. Such a course of action could carry serious consequences for his career trajectory and would almost certainly hamper his progress.
The next key date in what has become an unwanted distraction for United falls this Friday, when the Under-21s take on Brentford at Leigh Sports Village. Alternatively, United may attempt to appease Gabriel and his representatives by offering him a place in the squad for Sunday's Premier League clash at Fulham.