Real Madrid are confident of beating Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to the signing of Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel, who is expected to leave Old Trafford after falling out of the club’s plans.
The 16-year-old forward remains registered as a Manchester United player but has not returned to the club since walking out in September. His decision to look elsewhere for senior football has alerted several European giants, with Real Madrid emerging as the leading contenders for his signature.
Gabriel had been expected to make history by becoming United’s youngest-ever debutant during September’s Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton. However, the highly rated youngster has instead been training independently in Spain while considering his next career move.
His situation has attracted interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but Real Madrid, under Jose Mourinho, are currently considered favourites to secure his services.
The Spanish giants have continued to monitor the teenager’s development and are confident of persuading him to move to the Spanish capital rather than continue his career in England.
Gabriel’s availability represents an opportunity for some of Europe’s biggest clubs to secure one of the most highly rated young attacking talents in football.
The teenager has already demonstrated his potential at youth level, scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut and attracting significant attention for his performances in Manchester United’s academy.
He also featured against Atletico Madrid during United’s pre-season tour, giving him an opportunity to showcase his ability against senior opposition.
JJ Gabriel’s departure creates Manchester United headache
Gabriel’s potential exit would represent a significant setback for Manchester United, who had viewed him as one of the brightest prospects emerging from their academy.
The teenager enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, earning recognition as the Premier League’s Under-18 Player of the Season despite being just 14 years old during the campaign.
His performances generated considerable excitement around Old Trafford, with one Manchester United source describing him as “The best 15-year-old in Europe” earlier this year.
Former interim manager Darren Fletcher was also impressed by his potential, previously declaring: “The world is his oyster.”
Those comments highlighted the level of expectation surrounding Gabriel, who had been tipped to develop into an important first-team player.
However, his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere has complicated United’s efforts to retain him.
One factor that could influence his next move is his European Union passport, which is expected to make it easier for him to join a club outside England.
Manchester United would be entitled to compensation if he leaves, although the amount would be lower if he signs for a club outside the Premier League.
That situation could make a move to Real Madrid particularly attractive, especially with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also monitoring developments.
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Carrick urges caution over teenager’s situation
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick previously addressed the situation following the club’s Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton, stressing that Gabriel’s age and personal welfare needed to remain central to any decision.
The manager acknowledged the attention surrounding the youngster but insisted that United had a responsibility to protect his development rather than allow the situation to become unnecessarily complicated.
“We’ve got to be really careful of the whole situation.
“He’s a young boy. He’s 15 and, for me definitely, and from a club point of view, looking after our younger players – their welfare, their well-being, their exposure – we’ve got to be really conscious of that in this situation.”
Carrick’s comments reflected the delicate nature of the situation, particularly given the attention Gabriel has received from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
For United, losing a player who had already attracted such significant recognition at academy level would be disappointing, especially after investing in his development.
Real Madrid’s interest, meanwhile, could provide Gabriel with a pathway into one of Europe’s biggest football institutions.
With Barcelona and PSG also monitoring his availability, the coming months could prove decisive in determining where the teenager continues his development.
Manchester United will hope to find a way to retain their highly rated prospect, but Real Madrid’s confidence suggests the Spanish club are preparing to make a serious attempt to bring him to the Bernabeu.
