Sky Sports News understands JJ Gabriel and his family are yet to make a decision on his future; Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG all interested; it is likely Gabriel’s next club is in Europe; United could consider legal action if he moves to a European club Sky Sports News Reporter @DanyalHKhan JJ Gabriel and his family are yet to make a decision on his future but it is increasingly likely his next club will be in Europe. Real Madrid and Barcelona retain a strong interest, while Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich continue to keep a close eye on his situation. Gabriel turned 16 on Tuesday, which is the age at which European clubs are allowed to sign him to a professional contract. Gabriel is eligible to apply for a European passport through his parents.
Sky Sports News reported on Monday evening that United will consider legal action if he moves to a European club. However, it is understood that this is not a concern to Gabriel and his camp as they consider their next move for the 16-year-old. Gabriel was pictured in United’s squad photo for the 2026/27 season on Monday but is still expected to leave Old Trafford. Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal star breaks silence over national team walkout in statement Man Utd transfer news, rumours and gossip: Live updates and latest on deals, signings, loans and contracts JJ Gabriel: Man Utd prodigy still expected to leave despite first-team photo inclusion – this is how it unfolded England 3-0 Czech Republic: Harry Kane marks record-equalling 125th cap with two goals and an assist in Nations League victory ‘Beyond my wildest dreams’ | Harry Kane reacts to earning his record-equalling 125th England cap against Czech Republic Sky Sports News 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.
It was just days later that Gabriel and his family put in a formal request to leave. Gabriel remains registered with United and Sky Sports News 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. Gabriel has attracted the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs and talks have taken place between his camp and the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, with PSG and Bayern Munich also interested in the young attacking talent. From United’s perspective, they feel they have done all they can to show Gabriel and his family a clear pathway to their first team while also protecting his long-term development.
This involves, for example, featuring in the first-team squad photo that was released on Monday – a message he was to be involved in Michael Carrick’s plans this season. Another action they would point to is having Gabriel train with the first team for pre-season while also making his debut against Atletico Madrid in a friendly during that time. However, Gabriel and his family would point to wanting more than the eight to nine minutes off the bench that he got in that particular game. Gabriel’s involvement in pre-season came after the then 15-year-old failed to report back with the academy squad at the beginning of pre-season as expected.
The U21s arrived back at Carrington a week before the first team, and Gabriel was due back at the same time. But his family believed it was beneath him and were of the view he should only be involved in first-team training and so pulled him out of reporting back with the U21s. Sky Sports News also understands Gabriel had an individual development plan led by first-team coaches at the club, including the first-team’s medical and performance departments – who all engaged with Gabriel and his family to ensure he was receiving the attention they felt he deserved. However, despite there being a feeling from inside the club the relationship between them and Gabriel’s camp was harmonious, there was a difference of opinion over how much he would feature for the first team at the beginning of the season.
Gabriel and his family requested he feature for at least 20 minutes against Sabah in the Champions League, Brighton in the FA Cup and Bournemouth in the Premier League on October 25. This was all before beginning negotiations around a scholarship contract to secure his future at the club. Gabriel was ineligible for the first-team tie against Sabah as he was not put in United’s A-list. Instead, he played against the Azerbaijani side in the UEFA Youth League that day and scored a hat-trick.
Now that Gabriel has turned 16, he would automatically be added to the club’s B-list and would be eligible for matchday squads going forward – but Gabriel’s family will believe that was the opportune moment for him to be involved in first-team action. As previously reported, despite being registered until the end of the season, there is a belief that due to a FIFA loophole, Gabriel could leave United for a club in Europe after his 16th birthday if he obtains a European passport, which he could through either of his parents. Gabriel has not trained with United since. Club sources believe the tension between the two camps stems from Gabriel’s family wanting to chase historical records and United wanting to protect his long-term development.
To this point, no club-to-club contact has been made regarding the availability of Gabriel. Sky Sports News has been told that if a European club tries to lure him away through a FIFA loophole, United will consider legal action. It is presumed from the club’s perspective that the change in attitude from Gabriel’s family around the Sabah game revolves around promises made from elsewhere – whether from another European club or potential representation acting on Gabriel and his family’s behalf. For now the teenager remains a United player and despite the fractured relationship, those at the club still believe they are the best place for Gabriel and his individual development.
However, it remains unlikely we will ever see Gabriel in a United shirt again, with Europe’s biggest clubs circling the young star. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.
