Real Madrid are emerging as favourites to secure the signing of Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel, who is reportedly weighing up his future at Old Trafford, BBC Sport reported on Wednesday.
The 16-year-old remains on United’s books but has not returned since leaving the club in September, as he considers other opportunities that could offer a clearer route into senior football.
Gabriel was previously expected to make history as United’s youngest first-team player during September’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton.
However, the highly rated teenager has since explored options elsewhere and is reportedly training independently in Spain.
His situation has drawn attention from several European giants, including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, although Real Madrid are believed to be ahead in the pursuit.
Gabriel caught attention during United’s pre-season tour, where he featured against Atletico Madrid. He further enhanced his reputation by scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut.
The forward’s possession of a European Union passport could also ease a potential move to a club outside England.
United would be entitled to compensation if he leaves, although the payment is reportedly expected to be lower should he join a club outside the Premier League.
Despite his young age, Gabriel has already earned major recognition for his performances in youth football. He was named Premier League Under-18 Player of the Season last term, despite being just 14 during the campaign.
A Manchester United source reportedly described him as “the best 15-year-old in Europe” earlier this year, while former interim manager Darren Fletcher also spoke highly of his prospects.
“The world is his oyster,” Fletcher said.
United head coach Michael Carrick had previously urged restraint when asked about the teenager’s situation after the club’s Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton.
“We’ve got to be really careful of the whole situation,” Carrick said.
“He’s a young boy. He’s 15 and, for me definitely, and from a club point of view, looking after our younger players – their welfare, their well-being, their exposure – we’ve got to be really conscious of that in this situation.”
Real Madrid’s reported pursuit could offer Gabriel a fresh opportunity to develop in Spain, although his eventual destination remains unclear.
