Man Utd May Have Another JJ Gabriel Situation as 17 y/o Yet to Sign Deal

Manchester United could have another JJ Gabriel situation on their hands, with another youngster yet to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, and he’s attracting plenty of interest.

GIVEMESPORT understands that Gabriel is closing in on a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid after he previously made it clear that he wanted to have his registration terminated in order to leave the club.

Gabriel has been linked with almost every big club around Europe, but it appears that Madrid are close to winning the race for his signature.

United will be entitled to some compensation when it comes to Gabriel’s departure, but it’s certainly going to be minimal in comparison to the sort of fee they’d want for a player of his potential.

Unfortunately for United and many clubs, they are always left in difficult situations when it comes to young talents without professional contracts, and the Red Devils could have a similar situation with another one of their youngsters.

According to a report from Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath, Manchester United youngster Jariyah Shah is the latest academy product to be attracting interest from around Europe.

The 17-year-old talent has been watched by Juventus, Monaco, Sturm Graz, and Dutch clubs, and he too could move for a small fee due to the fact that he’s yet to sign a professional contract with the Red Devils.

Unlike Gabriel, Shah hasn’t indicated that he’s unsettled, but with a host of different clubs showing an interest in him, there’s every chance he follows in the footsteps of the Real Madrid-bound teenager.

It’s believed that United are expected to offer professional terms to Shah, but he’s set to play at the U17 World Cup, where even more clubs will likely be keeping a close eye on him if he performs.

Who is Jariyah Shah?

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

Shah was born in and represents Australia at international youth level, and he made the move to United a few years ago.

He joined the club at U13 level and signed scholarship terms with United back in 2025. Shah joined United from Doncaster Rovers and made his U18 league debut in February 2025.

Shah has played nine times for United’s U18 side in the U18 Premier League so far this season, scoring twice and providing an assist.

Shah is eligible to represent England, Australia, Pakistan, and Vietnam, but has only represented Australia at youth level so far in his career.

Of course, losing Shah wouldn’t appear to be as big a blow as Gabriel, but he’s clearly a highly rated talent given the number of clubs keeping a close eye on his development.