The growing saga surrounding Manchester United's young prospect JJ-Gabriel's departure has prompted Joe Cole to share his views.

After the 15-year-old reportedly requested Manchester United release him from his scholarship earlier last week, both Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard expressed serious concerns about the young prospect.

Gabriel, nicknamed "Little Messi," informed Manchester United of his desire to leave earlier last week. Reports indicate that his representatives were unhappy with the club, feeling that promises of a pathway to the first team had not materialized, which generated disappointment.

Since then, Gabriel has traveled to Barcelona, where his representatives held discussions with the Catalan club, while Real Madrid reportedly remains interested in him.

Under Premier League rules, the teenager cannot sign a professional contract until his 17th birthday on October 6, 2027. He also cannot sign a scholarship agreement until that same date this year.

Such attention on a 15-year-old academy prospect is, of course, unusual. Last Saturday (September 19), the former Chelsea and England player Cole expressed serious concerns about the rare decision the young prospect has made.

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Speaking to Gerrard on TNT Sports, Cole said: "He changed his name for branding reasons, which is one thing. He and many other children have been taken out of school.

"You have to be a child first, then a player. All of this is making people at Manchester United very uncomfortable."

Despite being widely known as JJ-Gabriel, the teenager's real name is reportedly Joseph Junior Andrew Gabriel.

Cole continued: "They want to guide this child, but what I would say is that I've seen him a couple of times and he is extremely talented.

"I still remember the hype before my debut. My experience was also unusual, because normally you're only 15, 16, or 17 when you make your debut.

"The fans will be happy because their own player is finally playing. But JJ-Gabriel will be under immense pressure wherever he debuts in the future."

Gerrard also expressed his concerns, admitting that he is "scared" to see young players rushed into making decisions.

The former Liverpool captain said: "It's not just this case. In general, now children can be rushed to make decisions, and careers can be forced, which scares me in football.

"I don't know the details or background of JJ-Gabriel's case, but if you look at it generally, he's at one of the biggest clubs in the world. They have a history and tradition of developing great players.

"Manchester United certainly has top people behind the scenes, but for me, what's most important is that you have an English manager [Michael Carrick] and an English assistant [Steve Holland] who will protect him when it's the right time and they feel he's ready... but when they feel he's ready, they will play him.

"It's not just this case, it's all of football. Behind these talented players are parents, agents, and outside influences that can pressure and rush things too soon, and this affects a child's career.

"This creates immense pressure. If you're another club looking at this situation, you'll think: 'Yes, this boy is very talented,' but are you willing to take on the baggage and noise around him?

"Take Mourinho at Real Madrid as an example. Even if this boy goes to Real Madrid, would Mourinho immediately play him? Would he be forced to promote him? You know how these elite managers are; they'll only use a child when he has the ability to contribute to the team.

"In my opinion, they need to protect this child's health and development, and Manchester United can do that; they have that tradition. I don't see the urgency or panic.

"I don't know what was said or promised behind the scenes, but from the outside, this looks like someone is pushing, forcing, and rushing things too soon. I don't think this benefits the child in any way, shape, or form.

"I must say that, although I'm an old rival of Manchester United's, I've always watched them from afar, and they have top-level managers and top-level people there. I know Michael Carrick very well, and if this boy were ready, he would have already had opportunities to play."

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Manchester United has reportedly rejected Gabriel's request to be released from his scholarship.

A child's scholarship can only be cancelled if all three parties—the club, the player, and the player's parents or guardians—agree.

The rules state: "If the parties cannot reach an agreement, any interested party may also request that the Premier League make a binding decision on the release request."

If Manchester United retains his scholarship, Gabriel cannot sign with another English club until at least the end of this season. However, he can circumvent these rules by obtaining an EU or Irish passport, which would allow him to sign with an EU club, such as Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Traducido por IA.

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