Fabrizio Romano says Manchester United fight to keep wonderkid Gabriel

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that 15‑year‑old JJ Gabriel, the highly‑rated Man United wonderkid, has formally asked to leave the club, while the Red Devils are reportedly doing everything they can at Old Trafford to persuade the teenager to stay.

Romano detailed the saga on his YouTube channel, where the Italian journalist said the 15‑year‑old has formally told Manchester United he wishes to leave. The Red Devils are aware of interest from other clubs and are trying everything at Old Trafford to keep the teenager. United’s hierarchy has yet to respond publicly. Even Utd’s scouting network is monitoring the developments closely.

Clubs mentioned include Real Madrid and Barcelona, both of which Romano confirmed are monitoring Gabriel. English rivals Manchester City and Chelsea have also been linked, while Paris Saint‑Germain reportedly made enquiries. The breadth of suitors underscores the teenager’s reputation beyond England.

Past pursuit and recent decision

Romano recalled that a year ago Manchester City were close to signing the Kid, but Gabriel chose to remain at United. Three days ago the player officially informed the club he wants to go, and he has not trained for the last two to three days. The teenager’s decision has left the Red Devils scrambling.

United confirmed Gabriel is no longer training with the squad, forcing the coaching staff to consider options. Romano warned that the club must either find a solution or accept his departure, noting uncertainty over whether the player will join another English side. The situation puts pressure on the Red Devils’ recruitment plans.

United face a talent vacuum as JJ Gabriel seeks European exit

Youth record and potential

Dubbed “Kid Messi”, Gabriel impressed by scoring more than twenty goals for the under‑18s at age fourteen and winning the Jimmy Murphy award for the club’s top academy talent. In his UEFA Youth League debut he netted a hat‑trick in a 5‑0 victory over Sabah, further raising his profile. United see him as a future first‑team option.

The 15‑year‑old has formally requested termination of his registration to become a free agent. He will turn sixteen on 6 October, meaning he cannot sign a new English contract until seventeen, and any release requires agreement between United, the player and his legal guardians, otherwise the case may go to Premier League arbitration.

Manchester United are attempting to persuade Gabriel’s family to reverse the decision, hoping to accelerate his integration into professional football at Old Trafford. The club believes retaining the talent aligns with its long‑standing policy of promoting academy graduates.

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“One year ago, I can tell you Manchester City were pushing to sign JJ Gabriel. … But the player informed officially three days ago Manchester United that he wants to leave, that he wants to go,” Romano said.

Romano added that while interest from top European clubs is clear, the final outcome remains uncertain, leaving United to decide whether to keep fighting or accept the youngster’s exit.