Manchester United are facing an extremely difficult battle to keep hold of JJ Gabriel.
Gabriel’s camp informed United earlier this week that the teenage winger wants to leave and has handed in a letter of de-registration.
United have allegedly no intention of granting that request and are hopeful a resolution can be found. However, the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have reportedly started working on a deal to sign Gabriel.
United executives are making efforts to persuade Gabriel to stay, but they might be powerless to do so once he turns 16. At the same time, the club is also working hard to tie down another sensational attacking talent and they are a lot more optimistic in that endeavour.
Manchester United in advanced talks over Noah Ajayi’s new contract
According to SullyTalkz, who is a reliable source for all things Manchester United, the club are closing in on an agreement with academy starlet Noah Ajayi over his first professional contract at Old Trafford.
The 17-year-old is yet to sign professional terms with United but “recent developments suggest that is about to change.”
It is understood Ajayi is in advanced talks with United over a professional contract. “All parties expect an agreement to be reached,” the report adds.
🌟🇩🇪 17-year-old Noah Ajayi is in advanced talks with #MUFC over a professional contract with all parties expecting an agreement. Ajayi has been impressing staff in the last year from his exceptional performances at left wing. Full details ⬇️ @UtdDistrict https://t.co/EGBLWhyNh3
— Sully (@SullyTalkz) September 15, 2026
Some reports previously linked Ajayi, who was born in Hamburg, with a return to Germany. Given these suggestions and Gabriel’s uncertain future, a breakthrough in talks with Ajayi would delight the club’s hierarchy.
Noah Ajayi is highly rated at Manchester United
Ajayi has reportedly been impressing club staff over the last 12 months through his “exceptional performances” for the Under-18s.
The electric winger has scored 10 goals and provided 1 assist in 25 appearances for United’s Under-18s.
The report adds that Ajayi is expected to train more with Michael Carrick’s first-team squad this season.
Should Gabriel, who was expected to be handed his senior debut against Brighton on Wednesday, remain firm on leaving, Ajayi may get an opportunity under Carrick sooner than anticipated.
Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
