Man United Finds a Quick Replacement for JJ Gabriel as New Academy Star Shines
Manchester United have spotted their academy talent Noah Ajayi as a possible long-term replacement for JJ Gabriel.
On September 15, JJ Gabriel officially told Man United he wants to leave immediately and become a free agent. The 15-year-old said the club’s struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson left were a big reason for his decision.
Since then, some top European clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid have shown interest in Gabriel. But it’s still unclear where he’ll go next, as he’s considered one of the most promising young players in the world.
Gabriel can’t sign a scholarship with an English club until he turns 16 in two days (October 6) and must wait until his 17th birthday to sign a pro contract. Starting Tuesday, he can also sign with an agent and use his Irish passport to join an EU club.
Man United reportedly won’t cancel his registration without agreement from the club, player, and all guardians. Since Gabriel hasn’t played since a hat-trick in a Youth League game on September 10, it looks like he’ll leave, and the club is already planning for life without him.
Among their targets is Lille’s rising star Mezian Mesloub, but Noah Ajayi is also seen as a strong future option. Ajayi, a 6ft2 left-winger, played with Gabriel on the U18s last season and had a similar impact. He scored nine goals and assisted once in 25 games, including a key moment in the Premier League Cup final against Crystal Palace.
Manchester Evening News says the coaches think “Ajayi is a gem” and see him as a future first-team player, though not right away. His speed, quickness, and strong finishing make people excited about his potential.
On September 25, Ajayi signed a long-term contract after impressing for Darren Fletcher’s U18s last season. Born in Hamburg, he’s already appeared three times this season and scored once in a 2-0 win over Newcastle in the U18 Premier League.
Now turning 18 in November, Ajayi will need to keep improving and aim to become a regular in the U21s. He has played four times for that age group so far, but with time, he’ll get more chances.
Coach Michael Carrick might even give him his first-team debut soon. With Gabriel possibly leaving, Ajayi’s role at the club becomes even more important, and many believe he could become the next big star to come out of Manchester United’s famous academy.