Manchester United are monitoring Valerenga’s 15-year-old sensation Gabriel Rajkovic as a possible replacement for JJ Gabriel, who has stunned the club by requesting to cancel his registration with immediate effect in order to become a free agent and sign elsewhere.
Gabriel, also 15, has made it clear he wishes to leave United now. Real Madrid and Barcelona are both interested in the 2010-born talent, while Chelsea would be his preferred destination if he were to remain in England.
Despite his request, Gabriel’s demand caught Michael Carrick’s side off guard, as he had been due to be involved in the Carabao Cup squad to face Brighton last Wednesday. Had he featured, he would have become the club’s youngest-ever player, breaking the record set by David Gaskell, who was 16 years and 19 days old when he debuted in 1956.
Although United believe the situation can still be resolved, with Gabriel having time left on his contract, they are scouting for a potential replacement in case he leaves. According to The Sun, United are eyeing a move for Valerenga forward Rajkovic, who is attracting attention from Europe’s biggest clubs.
United sent a scout to Oslo to watch Rajkovic in action against Fredrikstad on Sunday, and it is believed the Reds are in the race for his signature, with Barcelona among the other clubs considering a deal.
Rajkovic, who made his senior debut as a 14-year-old in January, has made 14 appearances for Valerenga in the Eliteserien this season, scoring twice and providing one assist.
Gabriel Rajković (15) scores against Bodø/Glimt and becomes the youngest goalscorer in league history.
Only 15 years old!
What a moment for the Norwegian wonderkid. A name to remember.
— New Ballers (@newballers7) August 8, 2026
He netted his first goal for Valerenga in a 2-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt last month, becoming the second-youngest player to score in Norway’s top flight at 15 years and 166 days — just 15 days older than record-holder Martin Odegaard. Soon after, he scored his second goal in a 2-2 draw against Sarpsborg.
Rajkovic is a left-footed right winger, though he can also be used down the middle and on the left. While his preferred foot is his left, he is comfortable with both and is capable of playing anywhere across the front line.
Reports in Norway have claimed he could fetch as much as £16million when sold, which would smash Valerenga’s transfer record. However, Rajkovic is unable to move abroad at least until he turns 16 in February 2027.
But Rajkovic is thought to be in no rush to leave Valerenga, having turned down offers to train at major European clubs. Unlike JJ Gabriel, Rajkovic is tied down to a contract until December 2028 at the Oslo club.