JJ Gabriel has reportedly asked to leave Manchester United, with Real Madrid and Barcelona said to be among those interested in the 15-year-old, which could cost United millions in lost transfer fees
JJ Gabriel has asked to leave Manchester United.
JJ Gabriel has asked to leave Manchester United.(Image: (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images))
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Manchester United losing JJ Gabriel could cost the club millions after the 15-year-old's shocking request to rip up the contract. The Red Devils have been left rocked by the decision from the teenager, who was viewed as one of the shining lights of the club's future.
Gabriel has an Irish passport and will be eligible for a move overseas when he turns 16, next month. Due to current rules, English players are restricted from moving abroad until the age of 18, but there are a host of European giants circling for the coveted attackers' signature.
Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Gabriel's situation. If the 15-year-old was to leave for an overseas club, United would only be due around £300,000 in compensation, but moves within England could be a lot more with fruitful - with Liverpool forced to pay at least £2.8m to Chelsea for Rio Ngumoha.
According to the Daily Mail, Gabriel and his family have long harboured ambitions of a move to Spain, with Madrid and Barcelona amongst the interested parties.
United were left blindsided when the prodigious talent made his desire to cut ties with the Old Trafford club known.
PSG, Bayern, alongside the Spanish heavyweights, are reportedly keen on securing Gabriel's signature, leaving United facing an uphill battle to fend off rival clubs when he turns 16 on October 9.
Gabriel had been set to feature in the squad for the Carabao Cup clash with Brighton and Hove Albion, following his hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League victory over Sabah, but that prospect now appears remote.
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel has yet to make his senior debut for Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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Old Trafford insiders remain uncertain about what prompted the 15-year-old's desire to depart the club, though alarm bells first rang when he wiped all United content from his social media accounts last week.
Gabriel has established himself as a regular fixture in Michael Carrick's first-team preparations and was given his debut during pre-season against Atletico Madrid in Sweden.
The 15-year-old was on course to become the fourth youngest Premier League appearance maker had he been introduced against Hull City on the opening day of the campaign.
However, their loss and the nature of that match prevented such an opportunity, while the 5-2 triumph over Ipswich also presented a suitable moment.
United believe they have exhausted every avenue to demonstrate to the youngster that he represents the club's future, but he will not be given the opportunity to become the youngest ever player in Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round fixture.
Gabriel became the youngest winner of the Jimmy Murphy award for the club's best young player and scored 26 goals in 29 games last season. He has five in three games this term, including two in his first two matches at Premier League 2 level.