JJ Gabriel: Man Utd prodigy still expected to leave despite first-team photo inclusion - this is how it unfolded
Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel is expected to leave the club despite being included in the official 2026/27 squad photo. The 16-year-old has attracted interest from major European clubs including Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the complexities of managing young talent and the intense competition among top-tier European football clubs.
JJ Gabriel is still expected to leave Manchester United despite featuring in the club's squad photo for the 2026/27 season. <p><em>Sky Sports News</em> understands the picture was taken on September 8, when Gabriel was still at the club and expected to feature for the first team this season.</p><p>It was just days later that Gabriel and his family put in a formal request to leave.</p><p>Gabriel remains registered with United and <em>Sky Sports News</em> understands multiple attempts have been made to reconcile the situation with the 16-year-old and his family, with duty of care being a factor for such a young player, but no progress has been made.</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://qrcode.skysports.com/TransfersSkySportsApp" target="_blank">Transfer Centre LIVE!</a> | <a href="https://qrcode.skysports.com/skysports/ManUtdblogarticles" target="_blank">Man Utd news & transfers</a>🔴</strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://qrcode.skysports.com/ManUtdscores" target="_blank">Man Utd fixtures & scores</a> | <a href="https://qrcode.skysports.com/skysports/FreePLHighlightsFirst" target="_blank">FREE Man Utd highlights</a>▶️</strong></li><li><strong>Got Sky? <a href="https://qrcode.skysports.com/skysports/WatchPremarticles" target="_blank">Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone</a>📱</strong></li><li><strong>Not got Sky?
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Gabriel in Man Utd team photo but no hint of reconciliation
The nightmare scenario facing Manchester United on JJ Gabriel’s 16th birthday
JJ Gabriel: No reconciliation in sight for rift with Manchester United
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in