JJ Gabriel is considering a move to a Premier League rival after asking to leave Manchester United, according to reports.
The 15-year-old is widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in world football but is yet to make a first-team appearance for United.
Gabriel has trained with Michael Carrick’s squad on several occasions and featured in United’s pre-season game against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm in August.
Last week, Gabriel scored a hat-trick during his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah and United had earmarked the young forward to make his first-team debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
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However, Gabriel’s future is now in doubt after he asked to leave Old Trafford immediately.
Gabriel is not tied to a contract with United but will be eligible to sign a scholarship deal with the club when he turns 16 on October 6.
According to talkSPORT, Gabriel has received interest from two Premier League clubs, one of which is Chelsea.
The 15-year-old is also said to be open to signing for another Premier League club, although no move has been formally lined up.
United, meanwhile, are understood to be still holding out hope that they can convince Gabriel to remain at Old Trafford.
Just how good is JJ Gabriel?
There is good reason for the hype around JJ Gabriel. The teenager is considered to be the most exceptional young talent to progress through United’s youth ranks in recent years and across the game at youth level, he is regarded as the best player in the country born in 2010.
In addition to those Messi comparisons, his ability to effortlessly take the ball on the turn has seen him likened to Phil Foden, who progressed through the youth academy over the way at Manchester City.
Under the guidance of United’s Under-18 boss Darren Fletcher, he has developed into a lethal goal scorer, with the skill and variety in his finishing heightening the expectation around him.
Football is littered with stories of unique talents failing to make the step up to men’s football with some of United’s brightest young talents failing to make the grade. Angel Gomes, who currently holds the record of United’s youngest Premier League player in history, has carved out a decent career for himself in France having also been recognised at international level, but made just 10 more appearances for United after his debut. Shola Shoretire, the youngest player to represent the club in European competition, is currently playing for Greek outfit PAOK.
But the situation with Gabriel has felt very different. United hope the situation can still be rectified – but no matter how enormous the talent, the club cannot be seen being held to ransom by a schoolboy – or whoever is making decisions on his behalf.
Barcelona’s interest in him has already been well-documented and the teenager holds an Irish passport through his dad, former Republic of Ireland international Joe O’Cearuill, meaning any move abroad would be free of any Brexit red tape.
Tony Mogan, live sports editor
Barcelona have already stepped up their efforts to sign Gabriel, who was named United’s Under-18 player of the year following an impressive season.
‘JJ is one of the boys. He’s obviously got a really big talent. He’s trained with us quite a bit and is getting experience all the time,’ Carrick said last month.
‘He’s physically adapting to each step that he makes, and we’re just continuing his development.’
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