Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has shocked people at Old Trafford by asking to leave the club despite being close to a first-team breakthrough.
Old Trafford’s ‘Lionel Messi’ Shocks Everyone by Asking to Leave the Club
Manchester United have been hit by a major academy shock after highly-rated teenager JJ Gabriel asked to leave the club.
The 15-year-old is one of United’s biggest young talents and has been nicknamed “Kid Messi” because of his dribbling and technical ability.
Gabriel and his representatives have reportedly asked Manchester United to cancel his youth registration immediately.
If the request is accepted, it could allow him to become a free agent.
Gabriel asks to leave Manchester United
According to Sky Sports News, Gabriel has formally asked United to cancel his registration.
The decision has reportedly surprised people inside Carrington.
United are said to be confused about why the situation has changed so quickly and still hope they can convince him to stay.
The club have not agreed to his request at this stage.
The timing has shocked United
Gabriel was not being ignored by Manchester United.
In fact, he had been moving closer to the senior team.
He was involved with Michael Carrick’s first-team squad during pre-season and appeared against Atletico Madrid.
He was also reportedly being considered for United’s Carabao Cup match against Brighton.
That makes his decision to ask for a move even more surprising.
One of Man Utd’s biggest academy talents
Gabriel joined Manchester United when he was 11 and quickly became one of the academy’s most exciting players.
Last season, he became the youngest player to win United’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
He scored more than 20 goals for the U18 side and was later promoted to U21 football.
His performances have also attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
A hat-trick before his shock request
Gabriel had also been in excellent form shortly before asking to leave.
He recently scored a hat-trick for Manchester United in the UEFA Youth League.
The performance made him United’s youngest player to score a hat-trick in European youth competition, according to The Times.
His progress suggested that a first-team breakthrough could be getting closer.
Instead, United are now fighting to keep him.
Why does Gabriel want to leave?
The exact reason is still unclear.
Gabriel has not publicly explained why he wants to leave Manchester United.
However, The Times reports that there has been a breakdown in the relationship between his family and the club.
Gabriel also removed Manchester United-related content from his Instagram account before news of his request became public.
That was one of the first signs that something may have been wrong.
Man Utd are trying to find a solution
United are not ready to give up on one of their brightest young players.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox have reportedly been involved in talks with Gabriel and his family.
The club still believe the situation can be solved.
For now, they have not agreed to cancel his registration.
Gabriel cannot simply leave immediately
Because Gabriel is only 15, his situation is different from a normal professional transfer.
He is still registered as a youth player.
Premier League rules say a youth registration can normally be cancelled when the club, player and parent or guardian all agree.
If there is no agreement, the Premier League can become involved and make a decision.
Gabriel will turn 16 on October 6 and cannot sign a professional contract until he is 17.
Major clubs are watching the situation
Gabriel has already been linked with several major clubs.
Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have all previously been mentioned as possible destinations.
However, there is currently no confirmation that Gabriel has agreed to join another club.
His request is only about leaving Manchester United at this stage.
Why is he called “Kid Messi”?
Gabriel became well known online when videos of his skills started appearing at a very young age.
His close control, dribbling and ability to beat defenders led to comparisons with Lionel Messi.
That is why the nickname “Kid Messi” has followed him during his development at Manchester United.
A major problem for Manchester United
Losing Gabriel would be a serious blow for a club famous for developing young players.
He had been moving closer to the first team and was seen as one of the brightest talents at Carrington.
Instead of discussing when he could make his competitive senior debut, United are now trying to convince him not to leave.
Gabriel’s future is now uncertain
One important point remains clear.
JJ Gabriel has asked to leave Manchester United.
He has requested the cancellation of his youth registration.
But he has not officially left the club yet.
Manchester United still hope they can repair the relationship and keep the teenager at Old Trafford.
For now, the future of the player known as United’s “Kid Messi” has become one of the biggest stories around the club.
