Why does JJ Gabriel want to leave Manchester United - and can he be deregistered? | OneFootball

15-year-old ‘Kid Messi’ has stunned Old Trafford with exit request - what happens next?

JJ Gabriel has become one of the biggest stories in football this week with his Manchester United future suddenly thrown into serious doubt.

One of the most hyped and talented youngsters in the sport could soon be on the lookout for a new club after he informed the Red Devils of his desire to move on.

Gabriel reportedly asked to have his registration at Old Trafford cancelled with immediate effect, just days before he could have made his senior competitive debut in the Carabao Cup clash with Brighton.

Though United still have hope of rectifying the situation, top teams across Europe are now queuing up to try and land the 15-year-old sensation.

But why has Gabriel made this decision - and how soon could an exit happen?

Who is JJ Gabriel?

Joseph Junior Gabriel is a 15-year-old footballer, who currently plays for Manchester United.

The winger, who joined the club aged 11, is a viral sensation and widely considered as one of United’s best academy prospects in years. He has been nicknamed ‘Kid Messi’.

In April 2025, he became the youngest player ever to represent the Red Devils’ Under-18s side, scoring twice in a win over Leeds, and last season he was the club’s player of the year at U18 level.

That prompted senior manager Michael Carrick to involve him in first-team training and play the teenager in some of the club’s pre-season friendlies.

He has already represented England at U17 level.

Star of the future: JJ Gabriel has been described as the most talented 15-year-old footballer in Europe

PA

Why is JJ Gabriel currently making headlines?

Shock reports surfaced on Tuesday that Gabriel wants to leave Manchester United and has asked for his registration to be cancelled with immediate effect.

Why does JJ Gabriel want to leave Manchester United?

The current situation, according to various reports, stems from what the player feels were promises made about his first-team participation, which haven’t been honoured.

While he did see some first-team action in pre-season, that was limited to just eight minutes. Gabriel travelled to Norway in July but despite Carrick making 11 substitutions against Rosenborg, he did not get on.

Neither was Gabriel registered for last week’s Champions League game with Sabah FK, which appears to have been the straw which broke the camel’s back.

There has been talk that his competitive first-team debut would have come at Old Trafford against Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night, although the current situation regarding his future looks to have scuppered that.

Can JJ Gabriel be deregistered by Manchester United?

Sources close to the club insist not.

United continue to hold his registration and Premier League rules state that all parties – including a parent/carer – must agree to any cancellation.

The relevant rule says: “During your child’s registration period, their registration may only be cancelled if everyone agrees (the club, player and parent/carer).

“If the parties don’t agree, then any one person involved can also ask the Premier League to provide a binding decision on a termination request.”

What happens next?

As indicated above, Gabriel’s future could be decided by the Premier League.

However, sources indicate that United have not yet given up hope of changing the player’s mind and keeping Gabriel, who is believed to be on the radar of a host of top European clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

Old Trafford chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are reported to have been personally involved in talks with the player and his family.

The teenager is unable to sign a professional contract in England until he turns 17, although he could agree a scholarship deal when he turns 16 on October 6.

However, with Gabriel also holding an Irish passport, his dual-nationality – father Joe O’Cearuill is a former Republic of Ireland international - would make it easier for him to join a European club.

Brexit rules mean English players must be 18 to sign for a team on the continent but those regulations do not apply to those from the Republic of Ireland, which remains part of the European Union.