Man Utd face losing 15-year-old 'Kid Messi' JJ Gabriel for free as six clubs circle

Manchester United are at risk of losing highly rated 15-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel for nothing after the youngster informed the club he wants to leave with immediate effect, triggering a potential bidding war among some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Gabriel, who has been in United’s academy system since the age of 11, has asked the club to cancel his registration — a move that would make him a free agent. United have yet to accept the request, and under current Premier League regulations he remains registered with the club until the end of the season.

Premier League rules prevent players under 17 from signing professional contracts, and players must be at least 16 before they can sign scholarship agreements. Gabriel does not turn 16 until next month. Should both parties agree to a termination, however, he would be free to move elsewhere immediately. If no agreement is reached, either party can request a binding decision from the Premier League.

The forward had been due to make his first-team debut in United’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, but the escalating situation has cast serious doubt over that plan.

Manchester City previously attempted to lure Gabriel away from their city rivals and are expected to revive their interest should his registration be cancelled. Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been credited with interest and are monitoring developments closely. Liverpool are another potential suitor — the club have moved decisively to sign elite young domestic talent in recent years, including Trey Nyoni from Leicester City in 2023 and Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea a year later.

According to talkSPORT, Gabriel has attracted attention from two Premier League clubs as well as sides in La Liga and Germany, with Bundesliga interest pointing toward either Borussia Dortmund or Bayern Munich. Dortmund have a well-established record of developing English talent through their academy, with Jadon Sancho and Jamie Gittens among those who flourished at the club before returning to England.

One notable absentee from the race is Chelsea, who were handed a nine-month academy transfer ban in March alongside a £10 million fine, preventing them from signing any youth players during that period.