JJ Gabriel wants to leave Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the club attempting to persuade the highly rated 15-year-old to remain at Old Trafford.
Romano said the teenager formally told United of his wish to depart three days ago and has not trained with the club since. The development has placed the youngster’s future in serious doubt.
JJ Gabriel’s Manchester United future
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “The player informed officially three days ago Manchester United that he wants to leave, that he wants to go. I can tell you also that JJ Gabriel is no longer training with Manchester United.”
He described the situation as “very tense” and “very complicated”, adding that United must now find a solution or prepare to say goodbye to the player.
Manchester City previously came close to signing Gabriel, Romano said, but the player chose to stay at United at that stage. Chelsea have also been linked with an interest, although Romano suggested the teenager could ultimately move outside England.
“I’m not sure the player is 100% eventually going to another English club,” Romano said, claiming that leading clubs across Europe are pursuing the youngster.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are both monitoring Gabriel’s situation, according to Romano, while Paris Saint-Germain have made contact to understand the circumstances surrounding the player.
Gabriel has impressed at youth level and is regarded by United as one of their major prospects. His potential departure would represent a setback for a club with a strong tradition of developing academy players.
United are continuing to try to change the teenager’s mind, but Romano indicated that a move to a Premier League rival or a major European club remains possible if the player maintains his desire to leave.
