Manchester United have joined the list of elite clubs monitoring the progress of 15-year-old Vålerenga forward Gabriel Rajkovic, according to reporting from FootballTransfers. The teenager, who has emerged as one of the most prominent talents in Norwegian football, is also being tracked by Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona. Despite the widespread interest from major European sides, there have been no formal bids submitted, and no personal terms have been discussed at this stage.
Single unverified report.
A Record-Breaking Introduction
Rajkovic first gained significant attention in March 2026, when he made his Eliteserien debut at just 15 years and 20 days old. This appearance saw him surpass the record previously held by current Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard as the youngest debutant in the history of the competition. Since his promotion to the Vålerenga senior squad in January, Rajkovic has transitioned from a youth prospect to a consistent feature of the first-team rotation. He recorded his first senior league goal in August against Bodø/Glimt, an achievement that further elevated his profile among international scouts. His physical development has also been noted, with observers highlighting his 6 ft 2 in frame, which he pairs with technical versatility, allowing him to operate effectively across the attacking line.
The Regulatory Barrier to English Recruitment
While interest from the Premier League is significant, any move for Rajkovic faces strict regulatory hurdles. Due to post-Brexit registration rules, clubs in the United Kingdom are unable to sign foreign players until they reach the age of 18. This means Rajkovic remains ineligible for a Premier League transfer until February 2029. This constraint dictates the approach of English suitors like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, who must factor a three-year waiting period into their recruitment strategies. The situation differs for continental European clubs; for instance, Barcelona can move to secure the forward when he turns 16 next year, potentially offering a shorter path to a permanent move.
Market Valuation and Strategic Caution
The TransferNews database records that while the player is a subject of intense scouting, the market for his signature is still in its infancy. Vålerenga are under no obligation to facilitate an immediate exit and are reportedly targeting a record-breaking fee for an Eliteserien export to sanction any future departure, with a baseline valuation in excess of €20 million. Current reporting confirms that no club has initiated formal negotiations or reached an advanced stage of discussions. While scouts have been present at domestic fixtures, including the match against Sarpsborg 08, industry sources maintain that this activity is standard for a talent of his profile. The consensus among those observing the situation is that long-term development remains the primary concern, with no transfer expected during the current window.
The player's focus remains on his continued integration into the Vålerenga first team, with any definitive decisions regarding his club future unlikely to emerge before the 2027 calendar year.
