Man Utd eye £16 million Norwegian wonderkid as JJ Gabriel replacement

Manchester United are tracking 15‑year‑old Norwegian forward Gabriel Rajkovic, with reports suggesting any suitor would need to meet a price tag of at least £16 million. The Valerenga‑bound winger has already made 15 senior appearances this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist, yet he cannot move abroad until he turns 16 in February.

United's search for a successor

JJ Gabriel shocked the club last weekend by demanding an immediate exit, a request that followed his disappointment at being omitted from United's Champions League tie with FK Sabah at Old Trafford. The Carrington academy prodigy had also been slated to feature in the Red Devils' 3‑2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton before his departure bid. United have won only two of their opening seven Premier League matches, leaving them 12th in the table and prompting a swift hunt for a replacement.

Rajkovic's record‑breaking rise

Nicknamed “the Norwegian JJ Gabriel” by the British press, Rajkovic burst onto the Norwegian scene when he debuted for Valerenga at just 14 years old in January. He netted his first Eliteserien goal at 15 years and 166 days, eclipsing Erling Haaland’s previous record of 17 years and 16 days. The left‑footed forward now sits as the second‑youngest scorer in the league’s history, trailing only Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard.

Transfer hurdles and market interest

Rajkovic is contracted to Valerenga until 2028, meaning the club is under no pressure to sell and can command a substantial fee. Barcelona scouts have already visited Norway, while Arsenal and Chelsea are also monitoring his situation, teenager’s eligibility for Norway’s U15 and U16 sides, plus potential ties to Serbia, Belgium and Morocco, adds an extra layer of intrigue for suitors.

JJ Gabriel rejects Chelsea to chase European move as United saga deepens

Image credit: Action Images/Andrew Boyers. Robin Mumford, a journalist for GiveMeSport, joined the outlet in April 2024 after a stint as Deputy Editor‑in‑Chief at VAVEL, where she produced a variety of press‑conference and match content. She earned an award for her leadership of the Women’s Football section, highlighting her breadth across the sport.

Mumford’s reporting portfolio spans the continent, having covered fixtures at Anfield, Old Trafford in Trafford, and Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park. She has also reported from both the 2023 men’s and women’s Champions League finals in Eindhoven and Istanbul, underscoring her experience of high‑profile football events.

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Here the image shows Rajkovic in action, a visual reminder of the talent that could soon grace the Red Devils’ front line. Give fans more content and insight as the transfer saga unfolds, with the market increasingly valuing teenage prodigies who can make an immediate impact.