Key Takeaways:
- JJ Gabriel has reached an agreement to relocate to Spain if permitted to depart Manchester United
- Benjamin Sesko, Marcus Rashford, and Kobbie Mainoo recently withdrew from their national squads due to injury
- The club and academy talent JJ Gabriel are navigating a pivotal period ahead of his 16th birthday on October 6
Gabriel Sets Sights on Continental Move Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
Manchester United’s off-field situation has taken another twist during the international break, as 15-year-old academy talent JJ Gabriel pushes to leave Old Trafford. Despite being regarded as a highly promising prospect, Gabriel made headlines last week by formally requesting deregistration from the club, surprising many within the United setup.
🚨 JJ Gabriel is not directly having talks with other clubs about his future, with his representatives having those conversations on his behalf.
The teenage prodigy is waiting to see which club will be the best solution for his future.
He's in agreement that the best solution… pic.twitter.com/qsmdqzARm8
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 21, 2026
Spanish publication Sport reports that Gabriel has now reached an agreement to relocate to Spain if United grant his release. Four clubs are believed to have entered his thinking, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both actively interested, alongside Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. The teenager has enlisted the representation of agent Ali Barat, whose professional ties to both Madrid and Bayern could be significant as Gabriel and his camp intensify efforts to secure a transfer.
Manchester United, however, have maintained their stance that Gabriel cannot be deregistered and will remain with the club until the conclusion of the season. There remains internal belief at United that the matter could yet see a positive resolution in favour of retaining the young forward.
Gabriel will become eligible to sign a scholarship with Manchester United upon his 16th birthday on October 6, but must wait until turning 17 to agree professional terms.
Key United Players Sidelined with Injuries
Manchester United’s injury woes have deepened, with Benjamin Sesko, Marcus Rashford, and Kobbie Mainoo all withdrawing from their respective national squads over the international break. This series of absences follows a difficult start to the club’s campaign, increasing the pressure on manager Michael Carrick to deliver results once the Premier League resumes, even though his position is considered safe for now.
Sesko Issues Statement on His Recovery
United striker Benjamin Sesko has publicly addressed concerns over his recent absence, following a setback with a persistent shin complaint that forced him out of United’s draw against Fulham and prompted a withdrawal from Slovenia’s squad. On Tuesday, Sesko released a statement via Instagram:
“I am very sorry that I will have to miss the national team’s upcoming matches,” Sesko wrote on Tuesday in a statement on Instagram.
“I have always played for Slovenia – and always will – with heart and pride.
“Right now, the most important thing is to focus fully on my recovery. I am already working on getting back on the pitch as soon as possible to help both the national team and my club once again.”
Previous disagreements between club and country regarding Sesko’s availability have already led to tension, and his latest comments are likely to spark renewed debate back in his homeland.
