Manchester United have been stunned by a surprise request from teenage sensation JJ Gabriel to leave the club and have his registration cancelled.
The 15-year-old forward, widely nicknamed “Kid Messi” because of his dribbling ability and technical skills, has reportedly submitted a formal notice of his intention to terminate his registration with Manchester United.
Gabriel, whose full name is Junior Joseph Andreou Gabriel, joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of 11 and has rapidly progressed through the club’s youth ranks.
The development comes only days after the youngster made headlines by scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut as Manchester United Under-19s defeated Sabah FK 5-0.
His three goals reportedly made him the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the competition, further increasing expectations surrounding his future at Old Trafford.
According to reports by The Independent, The Telegraph and talkSPORT, Gabriel wants to become a free agent ahead of his 16th birthday, when he would become eligible to sign a professional contract.
The Independent reported that the youngster’s decision came as a surprise to United, although the club remains hopeful of resolving the situation and persuading him to stay.
The development has also reportedly been accompanied by a noticeable change on Gabriel’s social-media accounts, with reports saying he removed references to Manchester United shortly after his impressive Youth League performance.
However, his request does not automatically mean that he is free to leave.
According to talkSPORT, Premier League rules provide that a youth player’s registration can be cancelled if the club, player and parent or guardian agree. Where the parties cannot reach an agreement, the matter can be referred to the Premier League for a binding decision.
Gabriel’s situation is particularly significant because Manchester United had been considering involving him more closely with the senior squad.
Reports said he was in contention for inclusion in manager Michael Carrick’s squad for the Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton, a move that could have given him an opportunity to become the club’s youngest-ever senior player.
The teenager has already trained with United’s first team and featured during pre-season, underlining the high regard in which he is held at Old Trafford.
His rapid rise has attracted considerable attention in recent years. He became the youngest player to appear for United’s Under-18 side and has repeatedly played above his age group.
United sources are reportedly still confident that the situation can be resolved, although the reason behind Gabriel’s request to leave has not been officially established.
One report has pointed to a breakdown in the relationship between Gabriel’s family and the club, but neither the player nor Manchester United has publicly provided a detailed explanation for the latest development.
The situation remains fluid, with Gabriel’s immediate future at Manchester United now uncertain despite the club’s previous plans to fast-track the highly rated youngster towards senior football.
LAGOS EYE NEWS reports that Manchester United have not yet officially confirmed Gabriel’s departure, and his registration remains subject to the relevant Premier League procedures.
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