Real Madrid move ahead in race for Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel

Real Madrid are close to signing Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel after agreeing to meet the teenager’s financial demands, despite his stated preference for Barcelona.

The England Under-16 striker, who has just turned 16, is currently training in Madrid while the final details of a deal are completed. The overall cost of the transfer could reach 15m euros, including wages and commissions.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, the agreement is expected to be formally signed in January. The report says Real Madrid have accepted the player’s financial requirements, giving them a significant advantage in negotiations.

Journalist Ben Fernandez Santos has also reported that talks are at an advanced stage after observing Gabriel training in the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid will reportedly pay Manchester United slightly more than 300,000 euros in compensation for the costs associated with the player’s training and development.

The proposed move remains dependent on Gabriel obtaining a passport from an European Union country. If that process is completed, it would clear the way for him to join Real Madrid in January.

Barcelona still an option

Barcelona have not been completely ruled out of the race. Gabriel has trained at Castelldefels and visited the Catalan club’s sporting project, which initially appealed to him more than Real Madrid’s plans.

Sport reports that Barcelona remains Gabriel’s preferred destination if the club decides to make a decisive move for him. However, the financial demands involved have proved a major obstacle.

Barcelona were not prepared to commit to a deal of this size for a player aged 16, while Real Madrid have agreed to the conditions requested by Gabriel and his representatives. That position has placed the Madrid club in front, with a late change only likely if there is an unexpected development.

Gabriel has made clear that he wants to continue his career in Spain. He has turned down significant opportunities elsewhere in European football, including offers from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

The forward asked to leave Manchester United after setting several records within his age group in the club’s academy.

His potential has attracted major commercial interest from an early age. At 14, Gabriel signed a deal with Nike for sums described as exceptional for a player of his age.

With Barcelona continuing to monitor his situation and Real Madrid prepared to meet his conditions, Gabriel increasingly appears likely to continue his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.