Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
The battle to sign JJ Gabriel is intensifying between Spain’s top clubs.
It is looking increasingly unlikely that Manchester United will be able to retain JJ Gabriel. The talented teenager’s representatives are looking to secure him a move away from the club.
Gabriel is being courted by Spain’s top two sides, with Real Madrid and Barcelona intensifying their efforts to try and convince him to join.
Spanish newspaper SPORT report how Barcelona technical director Deco has been leading the club’s talks with Gabriel’s agent Ali Barat. They are optimistic of convincing the Manchester United prodigy to commit his future to the club, believing that their sporting project is best suited to Gabriel’s development.
However, Real Madrid are especially keen to get one over on their rivals. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has personally intervened to negotiate a deal. Real’s offer is said to be more financially attractive than Barcelona’s.
Gabriel’s future remains unclear – but it certainly seems less and less likely to be at Manchester United with each and every passing day.
United have not given up on keeping Gabriel, but this is difficult given the high-level talks and charm offensive from both Spanish clubs, and the player’s desire to move abroad.
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Incomings and outgoings
JJ Gabriel is a special talent who led scoring for the under-18s last season at only 15. He is a unique talent who Ryan Giggs recently led praise for.
United would love to keep him, but it is hard to want to fight to keep a player who believes he is better served elsewhere.
The club’s own youth recruitment drive continues too. United have formally completed the signing of City midfielder Karim Cassim. David Eze and Isaac Konde are set to follow too, while Tynan Thompson has arrived as Tottenham.
Will any of them succeed? Who knows, but they have to want to be here in the first place, and that’s the first step.