Real Madrid pursue Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel
The 15-year-old has asked to leave Manchester United, but registration rules may delay any move to Real Madrid or another major European club.
Real Madrid are strongly interested in signing Manchester United academy forward JJ Gabriel, according to BBC Sport, after the 15-year-old formally asked the English club to cancel his registration and allow him to leave.
Real Madrid reportedly want to recruit Gabriel immediately and place him with Castilla, the club’s reserve side. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also understood to be interested.
Manchester United can challenge Gabriel’s request and have not abandoned hopes of retaining him. The club is unsure why he wants to leave, while sources close to the player reportedly believe promises about his pathway to the first team have not been fulfilled.
United had expected Gabriel could become their youngest senior player in the EFL Cup match against Brighton. He made his senior debut during pre-season under head coach Michael Carrick, but is reportedly not currently training with the club.
Carrick has urged caution around Gabriel’s age, welfare and exposure. Gabriel turns 16 on 6 October and has an EU passport, factors that may affect whether he can join an EU-based club.
Any immediate transfer remains uncertain. United say Gabriel’s registration runs until the end of the season, while the precise effect of young-player registration rules will determine whether a move can proceed before then.
