JJ Gabriel, the hugely gifted 15-year-old, has asked to leave Manchester United following a breakdown in relations between his family and the club, according to reports.
Gabriel has been dubbed “Kid Messi” after a series of sparkling displays for United’s youth teams and was expected to make his senior debut in Wednesday night’s EFL Cup clash with Brighton at Old Trafford.
But the Enfield-born youngster won’t now be considered after informing the club of his desire to cancel his contract that was due to expire at the end of the season.
United are believed to retain hope that the situation can be rectified and aren’t obliged to accept Gabriel’s request. However, the ball is firmly in the youngster’s court.
Premier League rules state that: “During your child’s registration period, their registration may only be cancelled if everyone agrees (the club, player and their parent/carer).”
The rules add: “If the parties don’t agree, then any person involved can also ask the Premier League to provide a binding decision on a termination request.”
Clubs can’t sign players on a professional contract until they turn 17 years of age or a scholarship until they are 16. Gabriel is not 16 until October 6.
Manchester United fail to follow Arsenal’s lead
It is not known what has prompted the breakdown in the family’s relationship with United but a lack of clarity around his first-team prospects may be one possible reason.
Gabriel has trained with the senior squad and the Under-21s at various points this season but was not included in the club’s A list for the Champions League, denying him the chance to make an appearance in European competition.
Gabriel was therefore ineligible to play against Azerbaijani minnows Sabah last week. Instead he played against the same club in the UEFA Youth League, scoring a brilliant hat-trick in a one-sided win.
He deleted all mentions of United on his social media accounts after that game.
United’s treatment of Gabriel is in stark contrast to how Arsenal have looked after Max Dowman.
Dowman was 15 when he played for Arsenal in their 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague last season. The winger has also played Premier League football and made a difference at various points last season as the Gunners secured the title.
Giggs hails Gabriel as a ‘generational talent’
Gabriel’s reputation has spiralled after he joined United as an 11-year-old.
Ryan Giggs, who also emerged as a first-teamer at Old Trafford as a precocious teenager, spoke about the attacker in glowing terms in a podcast with Rio Ferdinand last week.
Giggs said: “He’s sort of a generational talent. There’s no point in going out on loan because he’s at the best place and he’d be dipping in and out of the first team. So that experience is invaluable. You know, not only the games and the training, but actually travelling with the team, seeing the expectation of Manchester United, you’re seeing all sort of, the focus is so huge on United. You need to get used to that.”
The news he wants out will spark a huge scramble for his signature. Manchester City tried to lure him across town last year and will no doubt he interested, along with Arsenal and a host of European giants.
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