Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel continues to attract huge attention as speculation over his future at Old Trafford gathers momentum.
Gabriel has reportedly informed Man United that he wants to leave the club and is seeking an immediate termination of his contract.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly leading the race for the teenage sensation.
Reports suggest that his father, who is also his representative, has been the driving force behind Gabriel’s desire to leave United midway through the season.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard believes Gabriel could have been given an opportunity in the first team under Michael Carrick.
Gerrard said in a chat with Joe Cole on TNT Sports: “Broadly, it scares me in the game that kids can now be rushed or careers can be forced.
“I don’t know the details and the background in this isolated situation with JJ Gabriel but if you look at it all he’s at one of the biggest clubs in the world. They’ve got a history and a tradition of producing fantastic players.
“There will be top people behind the scenes at Manchester United but the big thing for me is, you’ve got an English coach [Michael Carrick] and an English assistant manager [Steve Holland] who will want to, when the time is right, and when they think he’s ready, protect him… but when they feel he’s ready they will play him.”
Man United could not be blamed for JJ Gabriel situation
The Red Devils have seemingly done everything possible to convince Gabriel and his family that the youngster remains an important part of the club’s future.
United placed him in the Under-18s at just 14 and entrusted him with leading the line despite his age.
Gabriel repaid that faith in spectacular fashion, scoring 23 goals and earning the Premier League Under-18 Player of the Year award.
The teenage sensation has also regularly trained with the first team, working under both Ruben Amorim and Carrick during his rapid rise.
He was even given the opportunity to meet Sir Alex Ferguson.
Gabriel could have made his senior debut against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup, but he reportedly did not report for training after scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut.
Losing such a highly rated prospect would undoubtedly represent a major blow for United, but the club cannot simply bend to the demands of a 15-year-old.
Carrick has deliberately avoided saying too much about the ongoing saga, seemingly keen to shield the teenager from even greater scrutiny.
However, Gabriel’s family must also recognise the extraordinary level of exposure he is already receiving at the highest level and consider whether it is ultimately beneficial to his long-term development.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com