Real Madrid is reportedly confident in its pursuit of 16-year-old Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel. Gabriel has not returned to Manchester United since departing the club in September and has been training independently in Spain.
Gabriel, who participated in United's pre-season tour against Atletico Madrid, was anticipated to potentially become the club's youngest debutant in a September Carabao Cup match. However, he has reportedly chosen to seek senior playing opportunities elsewhere. His availability has attracted interest from European clubs including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but Real Madrid is considered the frontrunner.
Gabriel secured a European Union passport, which is expected to facilitate his move to a club outside of England. Manchester United would be entitled to compensation if Gabriel leaves, though the amount would be reduced if he joins a non-Premier League team. Last season, Gabriel was named the Premier League's Under-18 player of the year, despite being 14 at the start of the campaign. A Manchester United source described him as "the best 15-year-old in Europe," and former interim manager Darren Fletcher stated, "The world is his oyster."
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick commented on the situation, emphasizing the need for careful management of young players. "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," Carrick said after an EFL Cup defeat.