Manchester United wonderkid wants to leave as Barcelona and Real Madrid monitor the situation

JJ Gabriel has asked Manchester United to cancel his registration, opening the door to a potential departure from Old Trafford. Barcelona and Real Madrid have both been linked with the 15-year-old, although there is currently no confirmed offer or agreement with either Spanish club.

UNITED HAD PLANS FOR A HISTORIC DEBUT

The story was first reported by The Telegraph and subsequently confirmed by The Guardian, The Times and talkSPORT. Gabriel wants to leave United despite being close to a place in the senior squad.

The teenager had been expected to feature against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. An appearance would have given him the chance to become the youngest first-team player in Manchester United’s history.

United do not intend to approve an immediate exit. Gabriel’s registration runs until the end of the season, and the club believes the situation can still be resolved through talks with the player and his family.

BARCELONA AND REAL MADRID JOIN A CROWDED LIST

TalkSPORT reports that Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all interested in the youngster. The Guardian also notes that Barcelona and Manchester City had previously been linked with him.

No reliable source has reported a formal bid from Barcelona or Real Madrid. There is also no agreement over the player’s future. For now, both clubs are monitoring a complicated situation rather than negotiating a completed move.

That distinction matters. A teenage talent asking to leave Manchester United is a major development, but it does not automatically mean that another club has secured his signature.

ONE OF UNITED’S LEADING ACADEMY TALENTS

Gabriel joined Manchester United at the age of 11 and scored 26 goals in 29 youth appearances last season. His performances earned him the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.

He recently scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah and has regularly played above his age group. United also allowed him to train with the senior squad as part of a carefully planned route towards the first team.

Instead of celebrating a possible record-breaking debut, the club is now trying to prevent one of its brightest academy prospects from walking away. Barcelona and Real Madrid may be watching, but United still has a major say in what happens next.