Manchester United look set to lose their greatest striker talent. J.J. Gabriel is being courted by half of Europe. Bayern Munich are also said to be interested.
J.J. Gabriel is one of Europe’s greatest talents. As recently as August, the 15-year-old striker made history by becoming the youngest player ever to make his debut for Manchester United’s first team.
But now the Red Devils face the prospect of losing their star prospect. According to The Telegraph, Gabriel informed the club on Tuesday that he wished to terminate his registration with the Red Devils with immediate effect, even though this would leave him without a club. The Englishman appears to be pursuing another option.
The teenager’s almost unprecedented request – he is reportedly already of interest to Bayern Munich – comes less than a week after his hat-trick against Sabah FK on his debut in the UEFA Youth League.
Is Manchester United set to lose its mega-talent?
According to The Telegraph, the Englishman deleted all traces of his association with Man United from his social media channels the very day after his brilliant performance on the European stage.
Already hailed as an exceptional talent by United legend Ryan Giggs, the young striker was expected to have been on the bench as early as Wednesday against Brighton Hove & Albion in the League Cup. The chances of him making his professional debut before his 16th birthday on 6 October were reportedly extremely high. Head coach Michael Carrick had already praised, during pre-season, “the many positive qualities” the youngster brings to the team.
In England, youth players aged 17 and over may be offered a professional contract, and those aged 16 and over may be offered a player scholarship. According to the Premier League, the registration of a young person under the age of 16 may only be terminated if the club, the player and the parents have all agreed to it.
J.J. Gabriel has been at Man United since the age of eleven
“If the parties cannot reach an agreement, any person concerned may also ask the Premier League for a binding decision on a request for termination,” according to the Premier League’s wording.
“It would be the same as if Barcelona had let Messi go before he’d even played a match for them. It’s a huge loss,” writes The Telegraph.
Gabriel – also known as “Kid Messi” in England – has been playing for the Red Devils since he was eleven. At 14, he was promoted to the U18s and scored 26 goals in 29 matches last season. The Premier League U18s named Gabriel Player of the Season.
His impressive performances have already attracted interest from several top European clubs. Manchester City are said to have been very close to signing the youngster recently. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested in the forward.
