JJ Gabriel: Real Madrid confident of signing Manchester United forward
Real Madrid is reportedly close to signing 16-year-old Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel after reaching a verbal agreement. The teenager has been training independently in Spain after walking out on his current club in September.
Why it matters
The transfer of high-potential youth players between elite European clubs is a major focus of the global football business.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, JJ Gabriel joined Manchester United in 2022
Manchester United reporter Published 4 November 2026, 09:15 GMT Updated 9 hours ago Real Madrid are confident of winning the race to sign Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel after reaching a verbal agreement with the teenager.
The 16-year-old is registered at United, but has not been back to the club since walking out in September.
Gabriel, who played against Atletico Madrid on United's pre-season tour, had been expected to become the club's youngest debutant in September's Carabao Cup tie against Brighton.
However, he has opted to look elsewhere for senior football and has been training on his own in Spain.
His availability alerted clubs around Europe, including Barcelona and Paris St-Germain, but Real now expect to sign the youngster in January.
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