JJ Gabriel reportedly wants to leave Manchester United because his family believes the club has fallen behind their rivals and that his development would be better served elsewhere.
The 15-year-old has been one of the biggest talking points around Old Trafford after impressing during Michael Carrick’s first-team pre-season plans. Despite that exposure, Gabriel is yet to make his competitive debut for United.
According to The Mirror, the teenager wants his registration cancelled so he can become free to join another club. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea have all been linked with the highly-rated youngster.
Gabriel’s family have concerns over his development
Manchester United have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013 and currently sit 12th after five league matches. They have picked up just one league win this season and have already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup.
Those circumstances are understood to have contributed to the concerns within Gabriel’s family over whether United remain the best place for his development.
If Gabriel stays in England, Chelsea are reportedly his preferred option. However, he would have to wait until January to move to Stamford Bridge because the club are currently unable to register new academy players until then.
Gabriel has also held talks with Barcelona and Real Madrid. His Irish EU passport means he can move to Spain, giving him another route away from Manchester.
United, meanwhile, are still hoping the situation can be resolved. Michael Carrick has previously urged patience from those around Gabriel and stressed that the teenager needs to be given time.
For now, though, his future remains uncertain, with the youngster yet to make his first competitive appearance for United despite generating so much excitement during pre-season.
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