Real Madrid is reportedly interested in signing JJ Gabriel, a 15-year-old player from Manchester United's academy. Recently, Gabriel submitted a formal request to cancel his registration with the club, which United can challenge.
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Several top European clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, have expressed interest in the forward, but Real Madrid is said to be pursuing him aggressively. The Spanish club aims to integrate Gabriel into Real Madrid Castilla, their reserve team that competes in senior football within the regionalized third league of Spain.
Last season, Castilla was coached by Alvaro Arbeloa, who has since taken over the senior squad after Xabi Alonso's dismissal and has moved on to manage Fulham. Notably, Thiago Pitarch, who was 18 at the beginning of the last season, made 16 senior appearances and played for Castilla in a Premier League International Cup match against Southampton.
Sources close to Gabriel, who will turn 16 on October 6, have expressed disappointment with Manchester United, claiming the club did not fulfill promises concerning his pathway to the first team. United had expected Gabriel to become their youngest senior player during the recent EFL Cup match against Brighton, which ended in a 3-2 defeat after leading 2-0, raising questions about his potential participation.
Despite Gabriel's desire to leave, United remains hopeful of retaining him, although they are unclear about the reasons for his departure. Currently, the player is not engaged in training with the club. Following the Brighton game, head coach Michael Carrick emphasized the importance of considering Gabriel's youth, stating that the club must prioritize the welfare and well-being of its younger players.
While concerns regarding Gabriel's age and physicality have been mentioned, those close to the player believe that there is a willingness in clubs like Arsenal, which fielded Max Dowman at 15 last season, to embrace youth more than United does. Chelsea is also believed to have a significant interest in Gabriel.
Any potential transfer from Old Trafford is complicated by regulations concerning the registration of young players. United contends that Gabriel's registration lasts until the season's end, making it more straightforward for him to leave once he turns 16. However, as Gabriel holds an EU passport, he may be able to join a club within the European Union on his birthday.