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Manchester United may have just secured their most important signing of the summer — and it's not a big-name striker.
It’s 14-year-old JJ Gabriel, the teenager already turning heads at Carrington. Known in academy circles as “Kid Messi,” Gabriel has agreed to stay at the club after weeks of uncertainty.
The young forward looked likely to leave this summer amid strong interest from top clubs across Europe.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid were all in the race. But in the end, one key figure helped United win this off-field battle — Jason Wilcox.
Wilcox, the club’s new sporting director, stepped in to keep Gabriel at Old Trafford. His timely involvement proved crucial, according to reports, via Fabrizio Romano.
🚨🔐 More on JJ Gabriel and Manchester United. The agreement to sign new deal for the young talent is set to be sealed, all completed.
The contract will be valid for the next two years, after key intervention by Jason Wilcox to avoid losing one of best and most wanted talents. pic.twitter.com/qkdjFiPVFz
A new deal has now been agreed, keeping the teen sensation at United for the next two years.
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Who is Man Utd teenager JJ Gabriel?
JJ Gabriel isn’t your average 14-year-old. The England U15 international already made headlines when he scored twice on his debut for United’s U18 side — yes, against players nearly four years older.
He’s known for his clever dribbling, quick feet, and smart movement. And with the nickname “Kid Messi” floating around, you know this isn’t just any academy talent.
Gabriel can play out wide or through the middle, giving coaches plenty of options. Those who’ve seen him play say he’s the real deal — though it’s still early days.
As one of the most talked-about youngsters in England, keeping him at the club is seen as a big win for United’s youth project.
While the player can’t sign a pro contract until he’s 17, this new deal gives United some breathing space. He’ll likely become a regular in the U18s next season and might even get a pre-season run with the older group in a year’s time.
Gabriel’s journey is just beginning, but United’s timely action shows they’re thinking ahead. For a club trying to rebuild both on and off the pitch, this might just be their sharpest move yet.
Manchester United news and related links
- Man Utd receives Viktor Gyokeres boost with another striker close to joining
- Man Utd agrees new deal as defender extends Old Trafford stay
- Man United face £10m annual wage bill to offload three unwanted stars
Vishal Bhawani is a sub-editor for the Affiliate Content team and a writer and sub-editor for the Football Wires team at The Sporting News. Based in Indore, India, he holds a Diploma in Operations and Management from Maharashtra University.
Before joining TSN in May 2024, Vishal contributed to Football Express and Six Sports and ran his own blog, Anfield Home, as a passionate Liverpool fan. An avid traveler, he follows multiple sports, including cricket, soccer, and tennis.
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