# Man Utd block 16-year-old JJ Gabriel’s exit amid dispute

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/internacional-en/man-utd-block-16-year-old-jj-gabriels-exit-amid-dispute/
- Published: 2026-10-28T16:31:04+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-28T16:34:14+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Internacional, Premier League
- Tags: Atlético Madrid, JJ Gabriel, Manchester United, Michael Carrick

## Key points

- O Manchester United está a bloquear a saída de JJ Gabriel, avançado de 16 anos da academia, que quer deixar o clube após desentendimentos sobre a sua progressão.
- Gabriel marcou na estreia pela equipa principal contra o Atlético de Madrid, mas o clube recusou o pedido de rescisão do jogador e da família.
- Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG e Bayern Munique mostraram interesse, mas a disputa parece estar a afunilar-se entre o Real Madrid e o PSG.

## Article

Manchester United are blocking the departure of JJ Gabriel, a 16-year-old striker and one of the most promising young talents in their academy. The player wants to leave Old Trafford after a series of disagreements with the club’s hierarchy over his progression to senior football.

JJ Gabriel made his first-team debut in pre-season against Atlético Madrid and caught the eye with his ability to score goals. His progression to the senior squad has, however, become a contentious issue.

Manchester United rejected the request from the player and his family to terminate his registration with the club. That refusal could force him to wait until the January transfer window to complete his departure.

## Interest from European clubs

Gabriel’s situation has become more complicated since he turned 16, which could open doors to a European club, especially if he can obtain an EU passport through his family. Despite the player’s wishes, Manchester United are considering legal action should any rival club try to exploit legal loopholes to sign him.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have shown interest. However, the race appears to be narrowing to Real Madrid and PSG, who are working on deals before January.

## A dilemma with financial implications

Gabriel scored 23 goals in 23 matches in the Under-18 Premier League last season and was named the club’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year. A formal request for his release, made in September, was not granted and the player has not trained with the team since.

The current situation could result in modest compensation for Manchester United, rather than a transfer fee commensurate with the player’s potential. The club could therefore see one of their brightest talents leave without significant compensation. As we previously reported, [Manchester United risk losing JJ Gabriel for a shockingly low fee](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/manchester-united-arrisca-perder-jj-gabriel-por-valor-chocantemente-baixo/).