Real Madrid feels hopeful about signing Manchester United's young striker JJ Gabriel. The 16-year-old is said to be thinking about his future at Old Trafford, according to BBC Sport on Wednesday.
Gabriel is still registered with Manchester United but has not been back at the club since he left in September. He is reportedly looking for chances to play senior football elsewhere.
He was expected to make history by being Manchester United’s youngest first-team debutant in September's Carabao Cup match against Brighton. But now, Gabriel has chosen to look for options outside the club and is said to be training alone in Spain.
His uncertain future has caught the eye of several clubs in Europe, including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. But Real Madrid is seen as the top contender to sign him.
Gabriel showcased his talent during Manchester United’s pre-season tour, playing against Atletico Madrid. He also made headlines by scoring a hat-trick during his UEFA Youth League debut, boosting his status as one of Europe’s promising young talents.
His possible move is now easier because he has a European Union passport. This will likely make it simpler for him to join a club outside England.
If Gabriel leaves Manchester United, the club will receive compensation. However, the amount may be lower if he joins a team that is not in the Premier League.
Despite being young, Gabriel has gained a lot of recognition for his performances in youth competitions. Last season, he was named the Premier League Under-18 Player of the Season, even though he was just 14 years old.
A source from Manchester United called him “the best 15-year-old in Europe” earlier this year. Former interim manager Darren Fletcher has also praised his talent.
“The world is his oyster,” Fletcher said.
Manchester United coach Michael Carrick has urged caution about Gabriel’s situation after the team’s Carabao Cup loss 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 interest might give Gabriel the chance to grow his career in Spain, but where he will go next is still unclear.
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