Bardsley warns Gabriel not ready for Premier League as Kofane contract talks stall

Phil Bardsley has urged patience over JJ Gabriel’s future at Manchester United, arguing the teenage winger is not yet physically ready for Premier League football, as a separate report suggests United and Arsenal could move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Christian Kofane after he stalled on a new contract.

Bardsley’s verdict on Gabriel

Speaking on talkSPORT, former United defender Bardsley drew a pointed comparison between Gabriel and Wayne Rooney, noting that Rooney was an exception rather than a template when he burst into the top flight at a similar age.

“From the outside, physically I don’t think he’s ready to be thrown in at the level yet,” Bardsley said. “You have Rooney, for instance, who was ready to go and play at that age. Look at the boy at the minute — his abilities are obviously there, he’s an outstanding talent and hopefully goes on to be a great player. But I think the timing’s a bit off.”

Bardsley also suggested external forces are accelerating the situation prematurely. “I believe it’s been orchestrated by agents, parents, and pushing for these things when you’re at such a delicate age and you’re in a transition into men’s football. I think you need to be patient.”

Gabriel’s future has been a source of significant discussion since developments in September raised the prospect of the youngster leaving Old Trafford, with reports pointing to a lack of first-team opportunities as the driving factor behind any desire to move on.

Kofane contract standoff opens door for United and Arsenal

Elsewhere, United and Arsenal have received a potential transfer boost after SportBild reported that Kofane has put contract negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen on hold. The 20-year-old Cameroonian was linked with a Premier League move during the summer transfer window, though no deal materialised.

Leverkusen are reportedly willing to offer Kofane improved wages and an extended deal running until 2031, but the current proposals have not met the player’s expectations. Kofane remains on the contract he signed when Erik ten Hag brought him to Germany, which runs until 2029, meaning Leverkusen still hold significant leverage — but the impasse gives interested clubs reason to monitor the situation closely.

United return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, their first domestic fixture after an international break that included Manchester City’s Premier League charges verdict.