Manchester United attacker JJ Gabriel has reached a verbal agreement in principle with Real Madrid, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg. The 16-year-old has not reported for Man United training since September. Gabriel had been in line to make his first competitive matchday squad with the Red Devils first-team for the Carabao Cup game against Brighton & Hove Albion. However, an exit is on the cards, with Madrid hoping to pip the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain to his services.
While Gabriel’s current deal does not expire until the summer of 2027, he could leave Man United in January. The Red Devils have refused to cancel his registration so far, but he has played his last game for them. Gabriel notched a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah FK under-19s in September but had expected he was going to be named in the first-team’s matchday squad later that day. He was included in Man United squad list yesterday even though he is not in the Champions League squad.
The Red Devils will only receive training compensation of around £300,000 if he leaves for a club abroad.
It is a huge blow for them, but they are unable to stop him and will hope more gems will emerge from their academy going forward.
19-year-old Shea Lacey came off the bench to assist last night’s winner in the 3-2 comeback victory over AS Roma in the Champions League.