JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Real Madrid are moving in the race for Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel, with the Spanish giants now working on a deal for the 15-year-old after he decided to leave Old Trafford.
The latest development comes from Guillermo Rai, who reports that Los Blancos are actively working on a move rather than just monitoring the teenager’s situation, putting them in a strong position to compete for one of the most highly regarded young players in English youth football.
Real Madrid looking to move before rivals
Gabriel’s decision to leave Manchester United has opened the door to a battle involving several of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Real Madrid are pushing forward, while Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also understood to be watching the situation closely.
Real Madrid’s interest is therefore not happening in isolation, and the club appears keen to move before the competition develops further.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Real Madrid have decided to act for JJ Gabriel ahead of competition. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
As reported by the journalist, the situation could have been completely different as Manchester City had an opportunity to sign him last summer.
However, he ultimately stayed at Old Trafford after being given assurances about his pathway into the club’s system.
That arrangement has now changed, leaving United facing the possibility of losing a player they once considered one of the brightest talents in their academy.
JJ Gabriel continues to make headlines
Gabriel’s performances explain why the interest has become so intense.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
JJ Gabriel is also wanted by Barcelona and Bayern Munich. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The teenager predominantly operates from the left wing or as a No. 10, giving him the versatility to influence games from different attacking positions.
His latest statement came in the UEFA Youth League last week, when he scored a hat-trick against Sabah despite facing players two or three years older than him.
His close control and finishing have been highlighted as standout qualities, while his performances have already led to predictions that he could develop into a world-class player.
For Real Madrid, that potential is enough to justify acting early. The club has recently built a reputation for identifying elite young talent before their value and reputation explode, and Gabriel fits the profile of an investment that could pay off over the long term.
Luis de la Fuente considering Real Madrid forward for Spain squad after Elche heroics
Carlos Espi, Real Madrid player
Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images
Carlos Espi’s extraordinary start to life at Real Madrid could now earn him an even bigger reward.
According to AS, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is seriously considering calling up the striker for the national team’s next squad.
It must be remembered that Espi has spent only two months at the club, yet he has already developed a habit of delivering when Real Madrid need him most.
His latest intervention came against Elche. With Real Madrid looking on course to drop points after surrendering a two-goal lead, Jose Mourinho turned to Espi from the bench.
Four minutes later, the forward had scored the winner. What is even more impressive is that it was not his first rescue act.
Espi has become Madrid’s late-game difference-maker
Carlos Espi, Real Madrid player
Carlos Espi has scored two late winners for Real Madrid. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
Espi had already decided Real Madrid’s opening league fixture against Espanyol, finding the net late enough to ensure Mourinho’s side began the campaign with three points.
His goal against Elche followed the same script: limited minutes, maximum impact.
That has given Real Madrid something they were missing last season.
Notably, the club managed only three decisive goals in stoppage time during the previous campaign, and Espi has already scored two this season.
Luis de la Fuente considering Spain opportunity
As such, Spain are preparing for their first squad announcement since winning the World Cup, with De la Fuente expected to reveal his selection next Friday.
Carlos Espi, Real Madrid player
Carlos Espi could get his first national team call-up. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
Espi was already included on the preliminary list for the previous World Cup, meaning the 21-year-old is not an entirely unfamiliar name to the national-team setup, although he has not played an official game for the senior team.
The current circumstances could work in his favour. Borja Iglesias is unavailable, while De la Fuente has an opportunity to inject some fresh energy into the squad.
Espi’s ability to produce decisive moments for one of Spain’s biggest clubs makes him an increasingly interesting option.
Sure, there is still no guarantee that his name will appear on the final list, but his case is no longer based solely on potential.
He has started his Real Madrid career by turning appearances from the bench into points, and that is the sort of contribution that forces national-team coaches to pay attention.