Photo: Collected
Although several big European clubs are keeping an eye on him, José Mourinho’s Real Madrid are for now furthest ahead in the race to sign 16-year-old forward J J Gabriel. The Spanish giants are now the most confident of landing the young talent from English club Manchester United.
On paper, Gabriel is still a registered Manchester United player. But he has not returned since deciding to leave the club last September. He is looking for a new home where he will get the chance to play at senior level. For now, he is training alone in Spain.
Gabriel played against Atlético Madrid on United’s pre-season tour last summer. In September, there was also a chance of him playing against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Had he made his debut that day, he would have set the club record for the youngest senior debut in its history. But instead of taking the chance of senior football at United, he chose the path of moving to another club.
After that decision, several top European clubs showed interest in him. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are also being discussed as possible destinations. However, it is learnt that Real Madrid are in the strongest position to sign Gabriel.
Gabriel has already obtained a European Union (EU) passport. This could make the process of joining a club outside England relatively easier for him.
Last season, at just 14, he played brilliantly at Premier League Under-18 level and won the player of the season award. He also proved his ability by scoring a hat-trick in his very first UEFA Youth League match.
United, however, are treading carefully over the young footballer’s future. After the EFL Cup defeat to Brighton, the club’s head coach Michael Carrick said they had to be very careful about the whole situation. In his words, Gabriel is a young player, only 15 years old; from the club’s point of view, it is very important to be mindful of young players’ protection, well-being and how much they are being brought into the spotlight.
It now remains to be seen whether the English talent will end his ties with Manchester United and ultimately begin a new chapter at Real Madrid.
Background
According to a Press Association (PA) report, in September Gabriel served formal notice and applied for the immediate cancellation of his registration, but Manchester United rejected it; as his registration remains in force until the summer, he cannot join any other Premier League club — The Irish News reported this on 18 September.
The same report said he would turn 16 on 6 October, and at that time his name was being linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich.
Sources
Background sources: The Irish News (Press Association), 18 September 2026
