Kai Rooney nears professional contract as Gabriel’s Man Utd stalls

Kai Rooney, the 16‑year‑old forward and son of Devils legend Wayne Rooney, is approaching a milestone at Man Utd after signing a scholarship in July that moves him into the club’s Professional Development Phase; he will be eligible for a contract on 2 November, a timeline that contrasts with fellow prospect JJ Gabriel’s uncertain future. Sport Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter.

Kai Rooney’s pathway to a professional deal

Having joined United’s academy at age 11, the forward now stars for the Under‑18 side, overseen by former United captain Darren Fletcher. Unlike his father, Kai primarily operates on the right wing, yet Wayne says their playing styles are strikingly similar. In the Disney+ series The Real Rooneys, Wayne remarked, “Kai plays for Manchester United in the academy and he is very driven. He scores goals and he wants it – it’s like watching myself with a left foot.”

Kai netted twice at U18 level last season and even made his bow at the Theatre of Dreams during an FA Youth Cup win over Derby County. A foot injury then ruled him out of the FA Youth Cup final, which United lost to Manchester City. View 2 Images capture his early promise.

January wait forces JJ Gabriel’s £300‑350k exit fee as Man Utd hold out

JJ Gabriel’s uncertain future and market interest

JJ Gabriel, also 16, asked United to release him last month and has not returned to Carrington, instead training with a private coach in Castelldefels, Catalonia for three weeks. United have reportedly offered him a scholarship contract after he turned 16 on Tuesday, but his future at the club remains unclear. The academy sees him as one of the most promising talents globally, and losing him would be a crushing blow.

European giants have taken note. Barcelona and Real Madrid are in discussions about signing Kai, while Sky Germany reports Bayern Munich have opened talks with Gabriel’s representatives. The competing interest underscores the high stakes for United’s youth department.

With the Professional Development Phase deadline looming, United can secure the second generation of the Rooney family while also trying to retain Gabriel’s potential. OUR MAN UTD Football outlook hinges on how the club navigates these parallel negotiations, a situation that reflects the intense competition for elite academy prospects across Europe.