Real Madrid have joined several European clubs interested in Manchester United academy prospect JJ Gabriel, with the highly rated teenager’s future at Old Trafford now uncertain.
The 15-year-old has formally informed Manchester United of his desire to cancel his registration with immediate effect, although the club has the right to challenge the request.
Gabriel, who turns 16 on October 6, has attracted interest from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, with Real Madrid reportedly among the clubs pushing strongly for his signature.
The Spanish giants are understood to be interested in signing Gabriel immediately and placing him with Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, which competes in Spain’s senior football system.
Sources close to Gabriel say the player and his representatives are disappointed with Manchester United, claiming that assurances over his pathway to the first team have not been fulfilled.
Manchester United, however, are still hoping to retain the teenager and are reportedly seeking clarity over his decision to leave. Gabriel is currently not training with the club.
United had reportedly considered giving him the opportunity to become their youngest-ever senior player in the EFL Cup match against Brighton, although he did not feature as United lost 3-2 after taking a two-goal lead.
United head coach Michael Carrick urged caution when discussing the teenager’s situation, stressing the need to protect his welfare and wellbeing.
“I just think we’ve got to be really careful of the whole situation,” Carrick said.
“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.”
Any immediate move could be complicated by regulations governing the registration of young players. Manchester United maintain that Gabriel’s registration runs until the end of the season.
However, because Gabriel holds an EU passport, he may be eligible to join a European Union club once he turns 16.
For now, Gabriel’s future remains uncertain, with Manchester United facing strong competition from some of Europe’s biggest clubs for one of their highly rated academy prospects.
