Manchester United faces challenge to keep JJ Gabriel amid Real Madrid interest
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 5:05 AM
Last updated Sep 16, 2026

Manchester United is dealing with potential departure of young talent JJ Gabriel, who has expressed desire to leave the club. The 15-year-old forward is reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid and other European clubs, leveraging a contract loophole as he holds an Irish passport. United officials, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are actively trying to persuade Gabriel to stay, recognizing his exceptional talent. However, they face challenges as Gabriel can only enter into formal agreements once he turns 16 next month, and concern grows over his lack of playing time in the senior squad. Gabriel was not included in the squad for an upcoming EFL Cup match against Brighton.
- •JJ Gabriel, 15, wants to leave Manchester United.
- •Real Madrid and other clubs are interested in signing him.
- •Gabriel holds an Irish passport, helping his eligibility to move.
- •Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United officials are attempting to retain him.
- •Gabriel was excluded from the EFL Cup squad against Brighton.
- 5:05 AMYahoo Sports — Sir Jim Ratcliffe pushing Man United to keep JJ Gabriel as Euro giants trying to take advantage of contract loophole
"1 The bad news just keeps on coming for Manchester United as their difficult start to the season continues.Sunday’s Manchester derby defeat deflated the fanbase, especially considering the controver...
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
EPL•Sep 16, 2026, 6:10 AMContact made: INEOS already plotting Jan 2027 move for player who recorded 7.0 rating against Carrick’s United side
EPL•Sep 16, 2026, 6:05 AMMan United to turn to catalyst to take down bogey side of recent years
EPL•Sep 16, 2026, 6:03 AMBrighton XI vs Manchester United – Predicted lineup and team news
EPL•Sep 16, 2026, 6:00 AMBarcelona keeping close tabs on Bayern Munich goal machine amid renewal talks – report
EPL•Sep 16, 2026, 6:00 AMMonday’s Everton News: Tarkowski talks win, U21s victorious
EPL•Sep 16, 2026, 5:46 AMWhy are Man Utd better without the ball?
