Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel as they move closer to securing the teenager’s signature ahead of the January transfer window.
Latest: Real Madrid make strong move for Man Utd teenage star JJ Gabriel (September)
Key Highlights
- Real Madrid have a verbal agreement with 16-year-old Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel.
- Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were also interested in the teenager.
- Formal talks between the two clubs have yet to take place; Madrid expect to complete the move in January.
- Gabriel has not returned to United since September and has been training independently in Spain.
- United are entitled to compensation, likely lower if he leaves for a club outside the Premier League.
The Spanish giants are confident of winning the race for the 16-year-old forward, who has attracted interest from several European clubs, including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Gabriel remains registered with Manchester United but has not returned to the club since leaving in September. He is reportedly seeking opportunities for senior football and has been training independently in Spain.
The youngster had been expected to make his senior debut for United in September’s Carabao Cup encounter against Brighton, potentially becoming the club’s youngest-ever debutant. However, he opted to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Clubs yet to open formal talks
Although Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Gabriel and his representatives, formal negotiations between the two clubs have yet to take place. The Spanish club nevertheless expects to complete the move in January.
Gabriel’s European Union passport is also expected to ease his move to a club outside England.
Manchester United would be entitled to compensation if the forward leaves, although the amount is expected to be lower if he joins a club outside the Premier League.
Read also:
- Real Madrid Make Strong Move For Man Utd Teenage Star JJ Gabriel
- Man Utd Stun Roma With Dramatic 3-2 Champions League Comeback
- Bayern Beat Stubborn Atletico Madrid 2-0 In Madrid
“The best 15-year-old in Europe”
The teenager has enjoyed an impressive rise through youth football. He scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut and was named Premier League Under-18 Player of the Season last term, despite being just 14 during the campaign.
A Manchester United source previously described him as “the best 15-year-old in Europe”, while former interim manager Darren Fletcher said the youngster had a bright future ahead of him.
United head coach Michael Carrick had earlier urged caution over the situation, stressing the importance of protecting the teenager’s welfare and well-being.
Speaking after United’s Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, Carrick said the club needed to be conscious of the exposure and overall welfare of its younger players.
Gabriel’s potential departure would represent a significant loss for Manchester United, while Real Madrid could secure the services of one of Europe’s highly rated young attacking prospects.
For more transfer news and football updates, follow us on X.
