Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel, according to The Athletic.
Los Blancos are said to be increasingly confident of beating rival European clubs to the teenager’s signature.
Gabriel has formally requested to leave Manchester United, seeking to terminate his registration at Old Trafford and become a free agent. The development has reportedly come as a shock to those at Carrington, with Gabriel considered the jewel of the Red Devils’ youth system.
Real Madrid have moved quickly after learning of Gabriel’s intention to leave United. Officials at the Bernabeu believe they are well positioned to win the race for the highly rated forward, despite strong competition from other European giants.
Gabriel’s request to cancel his registration is understood to stem from a desire to control his career path before signing his first professional contract. FIFA regulations prevent players under 16 from signing long-term professional terms, leaving United in a vulnerable position. Should Gabriel sever ties, European clubs can negotiate directly with his representatives without paying a substantial transfer fee.
For Real Madrid, signing Gabriel would be another major coup in their ongoing strategy to recruit elite young talent. Scouts have closely monitored the 15-year-old’s progress, highlighting his explosive pace, technical skills, and outstanding goalscoring record at youth level.
The race for Gabriel’s signature is far from straightforward. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain are all said to be interested, while United remain hopeful of resolving the situation and keeping hold of their academy star.
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