Two Premier League teams are interested in Man Utd wonderkid JJ Gabriel after his surprising request to leave.
Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel is catching the eye of two Premier League clubs and teams across Europe after asking to leave Old Trafford.
The 15-year-old surprised United by officially telling the club he wants to cancel his registration right away, which would let him join another team as a free agent.
Gabriel’s camp is said to be very clear that he wants a new challenge, even though Manchester United still hopes to work things out.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs says that after this surprising news, two more Premier League clubs have shown interest in Gabriel. There’s also attention from teams in Spain’s LaLiga and Germany, giving the young star plenty of options if he gets his release.
Chelsea could be one of his possible next stops. TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook reported last week that the London club is keeping an eye on Gabriel’s situation.
This is quite a twist for a player seen as one of United’s brightest youth talents. Gabriel has been with the club since he was 11 and has even trained with the first team after moving up quickly through the academy.
He made a big splash by scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut this month, becoming United’s youngest scorer in that competition. Some even call him ‘Kid Messi,’ and former United star Ryan Giggs has said he’s a “generational talent.”
But now, his future at Old Trafford is very uncertain.
Gabriel’s request doesn’t mean he can leave right away. Players can’t sign professional contracts until they’re 17, and scholarship deals only start at 16—Gabriel’s 16th birthday is October 6.
Also, Premier League rules say a youth player’s registration can only be canceled during the registration period if the club, player, and their parent or carer all agree.
If they can’t agree, any side can ask the Premier League to decide whether to end the registration.
That means United can still challenge Gabriel’s request, and they’re not giving up yet. But with Gabriel’s camp set on moving and several clubs interested, it could be a tough job to keep this exciting talent at Old Trafford.