JJ Gabriel is still expected to leave Manchester United despite being included in the club's official first-team squad photo, with demands over playing time not met. The 15-year-old appeared alongside senior players in the 2026/27 team photograph, only to formally request a move away from Old Trafford days later.
Training refusal and individual sessions
United were taken aback by Gabriel's desire to leave, with the youngster refusing to train ahead of the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton before the recent three-week international break. Had he featured against the Seagulls, he would have become the youngest player in the club's history.
Gabriel has not trained at Carrington for more than two weeks, instead maintaining his fitness through individual sessions in Castelldefels, near Barcelona. It is understood Gabriel has worked with specialist local coaches during his stay in Spain, while also occasionally bringing in a private coach from Manchester.
Age restrictions and transfer options
Despite his desire to leave, the forward's options remain limited due to his age. The teenager cannot sign a scholarship agreement until he turns 16 or a professional contract until he reaches 17. Under current regulations, he remains registered with United until the end of the 2026/27 season.
However, Gabriel will turn 16 on Tuesday, October 6, which could open the door to a move elsewhere in Europe. As an Irish passport holder, the teenager is eligible to join a club within the European Union, provided any transfer receives the necessary approval from FIFA, whose regulations govern the international movement of players under the age of 18.
Interest from European clubs
The forward has attracted interest from several leading clubs across the continent, with Barcelona and Real Madrid understood to be among his most determined suitors. It is believed Gabriel could be eligible to move overseas upon turning 16 due to his Irish nationality.
According to Sky Sports, Gabriel is 'still expected to leave' despite United 'reaching out multiple times' to repair relations with Gabriel and his family, but those efforts have yet to produce a breakthrough. The club are said to remain confident they have presented a clear pathway towards senior football.
Demands and legal stance
Before submitting his request to leave, Gabriel and his family reportedly wanted assurances over first-team opportunities, including at least 20 minutes of action against Sabah in the Champions League, Brighton in the Carabao Cup and the upcoming Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, before entering discussions over a scholarship agreement.
Due to his age, however, Gabriel could not have been added to United's 'B-list' for the Champions League for the clash against Sabah, with players needing to be at least 16 to take their place in that bracket. Therefore, he would have needed to take up a place on the 25-man 'A-list', which they decided against, despite the injured Manuel Ugarte being included.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, no formal club-to-club approach has been made. However, United are reportedly prepared to explore legal avenues if another club attempts to sign Gabriel through what they believe to be a loophole in FIFA regulations.
The youngster also fuelled speculation surrounding his future by removing references to United from his social media profiles the day after scoring a hat-trick against Sabah. Losing one of the academy's brightest prospects would represent a significant blow for the club.
Gabriel is the youngest recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award and enjoyed a prolific 2025/26 season, scoring 26 goals in 29 appearances. He has carried that form into the current campaign, netting five times in his first three matches, including goals in each of his opening two Premier League 2 outings.
