JJ Gabriel already has a Premier League destination in mind if he forces a Man United exit

JJ Gabriel could leave Manchester United for a Premier League rival.

Just as talk was stirring about JJ Gabriel making his Manchester United debut against Brighton this week, it has all gone pear-shaped.

Reports flooded in on Tuesday that Gabriel has asked to leave United immediately, with the club left confused by the 15-year-old’s request.

While United are not giving up hope of salvaging the situation, Simon Stone reports that there has been a complete breakdown in relationship between Gabriel’s family and the club.

JJ Gabriel is open to joining another Premier League club

Last summer, United fought off Barcelona’s interest in Gabriel by promising him a first-team pathway at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils kept to their promise and Gabriel was in line to debut against Brighton this week. Now, that has been thrown into question.

According to Ben Jacobs on X, Gabriel is pushing to leave United “as soon as possible”, including a potential termination of his deal.

Jacobs adds that while “nothing is formally lined up”, JJ Gabriel “has another Premier League club in mind” when deciding his next destination.

Losing JJ Gabriel to a Premier League rival would be a disaster

Make no mistake, this is already a PR disaster for United and Ineos.

United had one of the best young footballing talents of the new generation in their books, and now he looks set to leave after a fallout behind the scenes.

READ MORE: Ryan Giggs gives JJ Gabriel the ultimate praise, but he should know better

Losing Gabriel to any club will be a huge blow to United’s ambitions and their academy reputation. But losing Gabriel to a direct domestic rival? That would be an extremely bitter blow.

The idea of Gabriel fulfilling his potential at the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool or Arsenal is enough to send shivers down the spine of staff at Old Trafford.