Manchester United are working to persuade JJ Gabriel to remain at the club, but the prospect of losing the teenager has also sharpened their search for the next wave of academy talent.
Gabriel is still under 16 and therefore cannot sign a professional contract. His departure from Manchester is increasingly expected, leaving United to look closely at two young players already attracting attention across Europe: Lens midfielder Mezian Mesloub and Valerenga winger Gabriel Rajkovic.
United look towards Mesloub
- Mesloub, a 16-year-old Portuguese player with Lens, caught the eye in the Champions League only weeks ago.
- He came on against Slavia Prague and supplied an assist as Lens turned the match around.
- His style has drawn comparisons with Lamine Yamal, particularly for his close control and attacking flair.
- Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all monitoring his development, though English clubs face restrictions on signing European players under 18 unless they come from a UK association or meet an exemption.
- Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco are also interested, with the chance to play senior football in Ligue 1 potentially giving the French clubs an advantage.
For United, the pursuit would be one for the long term rather than a quick fix. Mesloub’s Champions League contribution has brought an early burst of attention, and there will be no shortage of clubs willing to wait for the regulations and timing to fall their way.
Rajkovic already has senior experience
The other name on United’s list is Gabriel Rajkovic, the 15-year-old Valerenga wide player. United have sent a scout to watch him, while Barcelona have also taken an interest.
- Rajkovic is a winger comfortable on either foot.
- He has played 14 times in Norway’s top division and scored twice.
- Although he represents Norway, he is also eligible to play internationally for Serbia, Belgium and Morocco.
- His contract with Valerenga runs until 2028.
- A deal has been discussed at around €16 million.
Rajkovic has already turned down approaches from several major clubs and is not believed to be in a hurry to leave Norway. That makes him another complicated chase rather than an immediate academy arrival.
United’s effort to keep JJ Gabriel remains the first priority, but Mesloub and Rajkovic show the scale of the planning behind the scenes. Both are young enough for patience to be essential, and gifted enough to ensure there will be plenty of competition when the time comes.
