Man United Wonderkid JJ Gabriel Requests Exit As Real Madrid Lead Chase
Manchester United’s highly rated teenage prospect JJ Gabriel has reportedly asked to leave the club, just days after making headlines with a stunning hat-trick for the club’s Under-19 side.
According to talkSPORT, the 15-year-old has formally requested the cancellation of his registration with United, paving the way for him to become a free agent.
The development comes only five days after Gabriel marked his UEFA Youth League debut with three goals for the Red Devils’ U19s.
Gabriel, who has earned the nickname “Kid Messi”, has long been regarded as one of the brightest prospects in United’s academy. Club legend Ryan Giggs recently described the teenager as a “generational talent” and urged the club to retain his services.
United are reportedly uncertain about what has prompted Gabriel’s decision but remain hopeful of resolving the situation before his departure becomes unavoidable.
Real Madrid are believed to be leading the race for the youngster, with Barcelona and two Premier League clubs also showing interest.
Chelsea have reportedly monitored Gabriel for some time, while Barcelona have made approaches to the player over several months.
The teenager is understood to hold an Irish passport, a factor that could become significant when he turns 16 on October 6. United could potentially lose their ability to prevent his departure once he reaches that age.
Gabriel had been expected to be included in Michael Carrick’s first-team squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Brighton.
Although he is yet to make a competitive senior appearance for United, the youngster featured during the club’s pre-season campaign and had been viewed as a potential breakthrough star.
With interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs intensifying, United now face a race against time to convince their teenage sensation to remain at Old Trafford.
According to talkSPORT, the 15-year-old has formally requested the cancellation of his registration with United, paving the way for him to become a free agent.
The development comes only five days after Gabriel marked his UEFA Youth League debut with three goals for the Red Devils’ U19s.
Gabriel, who has earned the nickname “Kid Messi”, has long been regarded as one of the brightest prospects in United’s academy. Club legend Ryan Giggs recently described the teenager as a “generational talent” and urged the club to retain his services.
United are reportedly uncertain about what has prompted Gabriel’s decision but remain hopeful of resolving the situation before his departure becomes unavoidable.
Real Madrid are believed to be leading the race for the youngster, with Barcelona and two Premier League clubs also showing interest.
Chelsea have reportedly monitored Gabriel for some time, while Barcelona have made approaches to the player over several months.
The teenager is understood to hold an Irish passport, a factor that could become significant when he turns 16 on October 6. United could potentially lose their ability to prevent his departure once he reaches that age.
Gabriel had been expected to be included in Michael Carrick’s first-team squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Brighton.
Although he is yet to make a competitive senior appearance for United, the youngster featured during the club’s pre-season campaign and had been viewed as a potential breakthrough star.
With interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs intensifying, United now face a race against time to convince their teenage sensation to remain at Old Trafford.
