JJ Gabriel denied release by Manchester United but Barcelona target could still leave
Manchester United has denied 15-year-old prospect JJ Gabriel's request to leave the club, though he remains a target for Barcelona and other European giants. Gabriel may attempt to use a FIFA loophole to move abroad once he turns 16, despite the club's efforts to retain him.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing tension between youth development, club registration rules, and the influence of major European clubs on young talent.
Manchester United have rejected JJ Gabriel’s request to leave the club but could still lose the hotly-tipped youngster amid reports that he has travelled to Barcelona for talks over a potential move.
It is understood United will not accept Gabriel’s request to be deregistered and have sought to persuade the youngster to stay, but there remains a risk that the 15-year-old could use a Fifa loophole to walk away when he turns 16 on October 6th.
Gabriel stunned the club earlier this week by asking to be allowed to depart, coming in a week when they had planned to include him in the squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup loss to Brighton – which would have been his first involvement in the senior squad for a competitive fixture.
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