Real Madrid are confident of winning the race to secure Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel after reaching a verbal agreement with the teenager. The 16-year-old is registered with United but has remained away from the club since walking out in September.
Transfer Developments and Interest
Gabriel had been anticipated to become Manchester United’s youngest debutant during a September Carabao Cup fixture against Brighton. Instead, he chose to pursue senior football opportunities elsewhere and has spent time training independently in Spain.
His sudden availability caught the attention of several European clubs, including Barcelona and Paris St-Germain. According to BBC Sport, while club-to-club negotiations have not yet taken place, Real Madrid have struck a verbal agreement with both the player and his representatives regarding a January move.
Player Background and Compensation
Gabriel recently obtained a European Union passport, a development expected to facilitate his registration with a club outside England. Manchester United will be entitled to compensation if he departs, though the payout will be lower if he joins a team outside the Premier League.
Last season, Gabriel earned the Premier League Under-18 player of the season award despite starting the campaign at just 14 years of age. He also netted a hat-trick on his debut in the UEFA Youth League.
A Manchester United source previously described him as “The best 15-year-old in Europe,” while former interim manager Darren Fletcher remarked that “The world is his oyster.” Addressing the media following the EFL Cup loss to Brighton, United head coach Michael Carrick emphasized the need for caution, stating that the club must remain mindful of the young player’s welfare, well-being, and exposure.
Gabriel expects to officially complete his move to the Spanish capital when the January transfer window opens.
