Real Madrid close in on JJ Gabriel as Barcelona drop out of transfer race
Real Madrid are reportedly close to signing 16-year-old Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel, with Barcelona no longer in the race.
Real Madrid are reportedly close to signing JJ Gabriel, the 16-year-old English attacker who wants to leave Manchester United. According to Matteo Moretto, the Spanish club are extremely close to completing a deal, although it has not been officially finalised.
Competition for the teenager
Gabriel has been described as the biggest English talent of his generation, and several European clubs were interested in him. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich were all said to be keen. Barcelona are now reported to be out of the race after deciding not to take part in an expensive bidding war for his signature.
The player has spent the past few days training in the Spanish capital while his future is being settled. His situation has been in the news for a couple of months, since he made clear his wish to leave Old Trafford.
Demands and timing
Gabriel's camp is reported to be making significant demands, which not every club is willing to meet. Real Madrid, however, are said to be focused on what the player could become rather than what he is today.
Because of his age, the club have carefully assessed the contractual and regulatory implications of the move. The earliest possible registration window is January 2027, meaning the player would not be able to make an official debut for the club until then.
A player for the future
Gabriel is a versatile attacker who has impressed at youth level with his dribbling, creativity and instinct for goals. He scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut and has often looked comfortable playing against much older players.
Any move would be an investment in the future rather than a signing for the current season. Signing him would be only the beginning, and Real Madrid will need to plan his development carefully and manage his progress with great care. For now, the club can celebrate winning the transfer battle, but it remains to be seen how long it will take before Gabriel is officially announced as a Real Madrid player.
