Paris Saint-Germain join race for Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel

Paris Saint-Germain have entered the race to sign Manchester United’s 15-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel after the teenager reportedly expressed a desire to leave the club.

Gabriel, who has been nicknamed “little Messi”, is regarded as one of the most promising young players in English football and within Manchester United’s academy. His reported request to depart has surprised the club, particularly after he recently became the youngest player ever to appear in a match for the Red Devils.

The teenager’s decision came shortly after he made headlines by scoring a hat-trick in the European Youth League against Azerbaijan side Sabah. He had also become part of Manchester United history during the summer, when he became the youngest player to wear the club’s shirt in a friendly.

That appearance came against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, Sweden, with Manchester United winning 2-1.

Manchester United have not given up on retaining Gabriel and are expected to make every effort to persuade him to stay. Although he has the right to request the termination of his contract, any departure would need to be agreed by both parties.

According to The Athletic, Manchester United are determined not to allow the highly rated youngster to leave without a fight. The club’s owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has been informed of the situation, while efforts are being made across the organisation to convince Gabriel to reconsider. His current contract has a further year to run.

However, the club’s hopes of keeping him could diminish in the coming weeks. Gabriel will turn 16 on 6 October, a birthday that could significantly alter his options.

English-language media have reported that British law allows a 16-year-old player to leave England if he holds an Irish or Cypriot passport. Without one of those passports, a player must reportedly wait until reaching the age of 18.

Gabriel’s family circumstances have increased interest in the case. His father represented the Republic of Ireland at international level, while his mother is of Cypriot origin. That could give the family an opportunity to secure a favourable ruling this year.

The situation has attracted the attention of several leading European clubs, who are understood to be examining both Gabriel’s potential and the reasons behind his reported dissatisfaction at Manchester United.

English media reports say Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring the player. The Athletic, however, claims Paris Saint-Germain are competing strongly for his signature.

The French club have made the recruitment of promising young players a central part of their development strategy. Despite that interest, reports suggest Real Madrid are currently favourites to sign Gabriel.

Los Blancos want the teenager to join their Castilla team, and Gabriel is said to be open to the possibility of moving to Real Madrid.