JJ Gabriel turns 16 with Man Utd exit still expected

📰 Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel has turned 16, but he still wants to leave the club. 📌 Key points 🎂 Gabriel turned 16 on 6 October, making him eligible for a scholarship deal. 🚪 But the exit request he lodged in September still stands. 🌍 Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern have all been linked. 🇪🇸 Flashscore reports Spain is his preferred destination. ⚖️ United are said to be considering legal action. 📝 What happened 📸 Gabriel featured in the first-team squad photo taken on 8 September, but days later he and his family formally asked to leave. He has not trained with United since. ⚽ He made his first-team friendly debut with eight or nine minutes against Atlético Madrid in pre-season, and scored a hat-trick against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League. 📝 According to Sky Sports, his camp asked for at least 20 minutes in three specific matches before discussing a scholarship deal. United insisted protecting his long-term development came first. 🔍 Turning 16 opens a route abroad if he holds a European passport. However, Barcelona sporting director Deco said last month the club were not interested in any player in his situation, and there has been no club-to-club contact yet. 📊 By the numbers • Age: 16 (birthday on 6 October) • Clubs linked: 4 (Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern) • Minutes demanded: at least 20 in three games 🔭 Why it matters United's brightest prospect could leave before making a competitive first-team debut. His destination should become clearer in the coming weeks. United host Tottenham in the league on 10 October, then visit Atlético Madrid on 13 October in the Champions League.