Rio Ferdinand shares JJ Gabriel theory as Man United ‘identify wonderkid’s replacement’

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has urged the club not to let 15-year-old forward JJ Gabriel leave after the teenager requested to cancel his contract. Gabriel will be eligible to negotiate with overseas clubs when he turns 16 on October 6, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich reportedly interested in a potential permanent move.

Ferdinand suggested Gabriel's family may feel impatient regarding first-team playing time, which led to plans for his Carabao Cup debut against Brighton & Hove Albion being shelved. Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly monitoring 16-year-old Lens starlet Mezian Mesloub as a potential reinforcement following recent youth signings from Manchester City and Liverpool.