JJ Gabriel playing against Man City U18s
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Former Premier League footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has condemned JJ Gabriel’s decision to quit Manchester United for Real Madrid.
JJ Gabriel’s protracted exit from Manchester United is taking shape. He has decided to join Spanish giants Real Madrid, after electing to leave the Red Devils.
Gabriel, now 16, went AWOL from United in September. While United claim there has been no contact from Madrid, due to his age and decision to move abroad, there is very limited protection for the Red Devils.
United are currently evaluating potential legal action regarding compensation and regulations – but it appears clear that Gabriel will not play for the club.
His choice of move to Real Madrid has drawn criticism from former striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who believes it is a financially motivated decision.
Hasselbaink told Sky Sports News that he disagrees with the decision of JJ Gabriel’s father to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid: “We all try to do the best for our kids, and we always want the best for our kids. But I don’t think that that is the best for his son.
“The pathway at Real Madrid is not easy. It’s not easier than Man United. Look where Man United is.
Hasselbaink pointed to Shea Lacey providing an assist for United in the Champions League against Roma as proof that talented academy talents have a pathway at the club.
“Yesterday, who comes in on the pitch? A 19-year-old. You don’t really see that happen at Real Madrid. It’s full of stars.
“He needs to have a pathway where he can get into the first team and play.”
He added that he could sympathise if Gabriel had chosen a more developmental club to quit United for – but views the Real move differently.
“If he would have gone to Dortmund, then I would say OK, he’s going there because there is a pathway. Look at Bellingham and look at all the other players that have gone there; they end up playing there, yeah. But at Real Madrid, no.
“It’s a money move. It’s a money move. Let’s be clear.”
JJ Gabriel expected to start with Castilla
JJ Gabriel will not go into Real Madrid’s first team. Instead, he is expected to join their developmental side, Castilla.
Breaking into their first team ranks will be difficult. Turkey international Arda Guler has found it hard to hold down a regular place in the team since he joined the club.
Real’s move for Franco Mastantuono also flopped, with the Argentine sent out on loan to Fiorentina. He will return to the club to compete for his place next season.
And with Jude Bellingham holding down a first team spot, Gabriel may find it tricky to establish himself at the La Liga giants. But that is his problem now.