JJ Gabriel Seeks Manchester United Exit as European Giants Circle
Manchester United face uncertainty over highly rated academy forward JJ Gabriel after the 15-year-old asked to leave the club, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea monitoring the situation.
Key takeaways
- Gabriel has expressed a desire to depart Old Trafford despite being under contract with United.
- United will not terminate his agreement, and the player cannot be removed from registration at this stage.
- The teenager turns 16 on October 6, when he becomes eligible to sign scholarship paperwork.
- An Irish passport allows Gabriel to join a club elsewhere in Europe, with Barcelona and Real Madrid alerted.
- He was expected to be considered for the Carabao Cup match against Brighton but missed training and is now likely to be omitted.
European interest grows as United seek solution
Gabriel’s position could create a route towards a move next summer, even though Manchester United are not prepared to release him from his existing contract. The club remain hopeful that the disagreement can be resolved and maintain that they have not been given a clear explanation for his wish to leave.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping watch on developments, while Manchester City and Chelsea are also following the situation. Gabriel is able to move to a European club because he holds an Irish passport.
Real Madrid would envisage placing him with their B team should a transfer become possible. There is nevertheless a belief among some within English football that the teenager may yet find a way to continue his development at United.
Brighton opportunity set to pass Gabriel by
The forward had been in contention for Michael Carrick’s squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton. A first-team appearance would have made him Manchester United’s youngest player.
That landmark is now unlikely to arrive this week. Gabriel has missed training during the current dispute and is expected to be left out of the selection for the Brighton match.
