United face Kai Rooney professional contract decision as JJ Gabriel edges toward exit

Manchester United are approaching a pivotal moment in their academy planning, with Wayne Rooney’s son Kai set to become eligible for his first professional contract on 2 November, just as highly rated 16-year-old JJ Gabriel appears increasingly likely to leave the club.

Kai Rooney, 16, has been at United since the age of 11 and signed a scholarship deal in July — the final contractual step before a professional agreement can be offered. The forward, who plays primarily on the right wing, scored twice at Under-18 level last season and made his debut at Old Trafford in an FA Youth Cup victory over Derby County, before a foot injury ended his campaign early and ruled him out of the Youth Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

His father, Wayne, has spoken warmly of the similarities between them. In the Disney+ documentary series The Real Rooneys, the United legend said: “Kai plays for Manchester United in the academy and he is very driven. He scores goals and he wants it. It’s very similar to me, it’s like watching myself with a left foot. It’s mad.”

The positive picture around Kai contrasts sharply with the situation involving Gabriel, who is considered one of the most highly rated young players in world football. The 16-year-old asked to be released from United last month and has not returned to Carrington since, spending the past three weeks in Castelldefels, Catalonia, working with a private coach. United have reportedly offered Gabriel a scholarship contract — a deal he became eligible for after turning 16 this week — but his future at the club remains deeply uncertain.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have both held talks over signing Gabriel, and Sky Germany reports that Bayern Munich have also opened discussions with his representatives. A departure would represent a significant blow to United’s academy, which has invested heavily in developing him.

With Gabriel’s situation unresolved, the club’s ability to secure Kai Rooney on professional terms next month offers a rare piece of straightforward good news for United’s development setup.