Wayne Rooney has revealed exactly what he has heard about Manchester United’s youngster JJ Gabriel’s future, after the teenage sensation asked to leave the Premier League club last week.
The 15-year-old made headlines by asking United to de-register him with immediate effect early last week. The Red Devils refused the request, but the player’s camp stands firm on its position, and he is expected to leave the club as soon as he is eligible to sign scholarship terms.
Read: Andreas Schjelderup is definitely getting ready for the big transfer
Gabriel’s family is already in contact with super agent Ali Barat, who has helped facilitate potential interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Still, many believe that the big talent is destined for Barcelona – after he traveled to the Catalan city last week, which has fueled speculation.
Wayne Rooney reveals his insider knowledge of JJ Gabriel’s situation
The belief that Gabriel will inevitably end up playing at Camp Nou has been confirmed by Rooney’s suspicions about the situation.
The legendary United striker has been close to the Red Devils’ youth department in recent years due to his son Kai’s involvement in the academy teams. He claims to have heard murmurs that there has been an acceptance that Gabriel would eventually end up in Spain.
“I’ve watched JJ grow up, he’s been in Kai’s [Rooney’s son’s] team all these years, and I think everyone close to him knew it was going to happen,” he said on the latest episode of the Stick to United podcast.
“To be fair to Manchester United, they have done everything – they have done absolutely everything to keep him at the club.
“The club has treated him differently from the other players, because he is such a special talent. And I know, I acknowledge, I understand it, because I was that player at Everton.
“I got that treatment at Everton, where you get a little bit more, parents get things, you get that special treatment that other players don’t get – something you have to do as a club to try and keep these better players.
“It’s just disappointing, of course, because he’s such a good player and a great boy, so yes, you never know if it’s gone too far and if there’s a chance he’ll stay.
“But I think everyone who’s close probably knew it was going to happen. I think it’s been that hunger, that desire to play in Spain, to be honest. I could be wrong here, but this is my opinion from being around it, watching him play and things I’ve heard on the training ground.”
Read on English Clubs: Liverpool and “next world star” Rio Ngumoha agree!
Gabriel now looks set to leave the club he has been at since 2022 – without playing a single minute with the first team. Reports suggest that Michael Carrick had planned to bring the big talent into the squad for United’s Carabao Cup match against Brighton last week, but the United boss backed down from the decision after news of the player’s desire to leave the club broke.
Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly keeping an eye on Gabriel’s situation, but Barcelona remain the favourites in the race for the coveted talent.
