JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Real Madrid have not abandoned their pursuit of Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel, with the 16-year-old’s future now moving towards a potentially decisive stage.
According to MARCA, the Spanish giants remain keen on recruiting the forward for Castilla, although any deal will depend on the circumstances of his departure from Old Trafford.
As per the outlet, Manchester United are seeking £300,000 in compensation if Gabriel leaves, adding a financial complication to a transfer battle involving some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
On that note, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also among the interested parties, with Manchester City and Chelsea further complicating the picture.
Why Real Madrid are pushing for JJ Gabriel
Gabriel turned 16 today, making him eligible to sign a professional contract under the relevant rules.
Until now, his age had restricted his ability to formalise his next career move, but the situation has opened the door to a more concrete transfer battle.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are understood to be particularly serious contenders, and as reported before, both are prepared to offer an attractive financial package, described as an “XXL package”, combining salary, bonuses and a signing-on fee.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Real Madrid continue to monitor JJ Gabriel. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s interest centres on the possibility of bringing Gabriel into Castilla, where he could continue his development within the club’s structure before potentially progressing towards the first team.
However, competition from Bayern, PSG, City and Chelsea means the Spanish clubs cannot assume they have the advantage.
Man United dispute leaves January move uncertain
Gabriel’s departure is complicated by an ongoing disagreement with Manchester United.
The youngster has refused to train and sent a formal notification seeking termination of his contract “with immediate effect”. United responded that the player cannot be released.
He remains registered with the English FA as a Manchester United player, despite not returning to the training facilities.
The club’s position means his next move is not just a matter of choosing between interested teams.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
JJ Gabriel has asked to leave Manchester United. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
A potential January transfer is being planned around the expectation that Gabriel will receive a Cypriot passport, provided the process proceeds as anticipated.
That development could affect the route available for a move, although the timing and legal circumstances remain important.
Ali Barat leads negotiations as Europe’s elite circle
Agent Ali Barat is handling much of the operation and negotiations with interested clubs.
He is already familiar to Real Madrid followers, with his agency having been involved in Denzel Dumfries’ arrival at the Bernabeu during the summer.
The £300,000 compensation demand may be modest compared with the financial packages being discussed, but the contractual dispute is the key obstacle.
Real Madrid remain in the picture, yet a January move will depend on resolving Gabriel’s status.
Yan Diomande, Real Madrid player
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Biggest jump in market value in La Liga
Biggest jump in market value in La Liga. (Source: Transfermarkt)
Yan Diomande, Real Madrid player
Diomande’s market value has risen significantly. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)