Manchester United youth star JJ Gabriel seeks contract termination

Manchester United confirmed that 15-year-old academy player JJ Gabriel has handed in a de-registration letter seeking to become a free agent. The club said it does not intend to grant the request and believes there is time to address the issue.

Gabriel, who joined United’s academy at age nine, has been highlighted as one of the country’s top youth talents. He earned the Jimmy Murphy Player of the Year award last season and was named the best player in the Premier League Under-18 competition. Recent performances include a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League against Sabah, where he played against opponents two or three years older.

The teenager declined an invitation to be part of United’s Carabao Cup squad for the match against Brighton & Hove Albion, preferring to pursue a departure rather than feature at any level. He has previously trained with the first team and made an eight-minute appearance as a substitute in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid.

European clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have reportedly shown interest in Gabriel. He turned down an offer from Manchester City last summer after receiving assurances about his development pathway at United.

United’s management indicated that recent signings of left-wingers, including 18-year-old Tynan Thompson and the pending acquisition of 16-year-old Isaac Konde, may have influenced Gabriel’s decision. The club’s former captain Michael Carrick had planned to include him in the Carabao Cup squad, but Gabriel’s request to leave superseded that plan.

"We do not intend to grant the request and feel there is time to rectify the situation," a club spokesperson said.

The academy prospect has recorded 31 goals and six assists in 34 youth matches this season, and his technical ability and attitude have been praised by coaches.