- Real Madrid are increasingly confident of signing Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel, who joined the Red Devils in 2022
- Florian Plettenberg reports that the 16-year-old has reached a verbal agreement in principle with Real Madrid, although nothing has been signed yet
- Barcelona, FC Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain remain on standby
Real Madrid Move Ahead In Gabriel Pursuit
Real Madrid now appear to be in the strongest position to secure the signature of Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel, with confidence growing around the Spanish club that they can win a transfer race involving several major European sides.
Gabriel, who joined Manchester United in 2022, is still registered to United. However, the 16-year-old has not returned to the club since walking out in September, and his future is now being shaped away from Old Trafford.
Florian Plettenberg reports that Gabriel has reached a verbal agreement in principle with Real Madrid. The transfer is being pushed towards completion, but no documents have been signed at this stage. As a result, Barcelona, FC Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain remain on standby.
🚨⏳ BREAKING | Understand JJ Gabriel has reached a verbal agreement in principle with Real Madrid.
As reported, Real were the favourites. The transfer is now being pushed towards completion. Nothing has been signed yet. That’s why Barcelona, FC Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain remain on standby.
The plan is for the 16 y/o gem to leave ManUtd as early as January. The move is definitely expected to take place in 2027, with an EU passport. #MUFC
Bayern remained in contact but emerged as an outside contender, partly due to the financial package and Real.
@SkySportDE 🏴
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 4, 2026
January Exit Plan And 2027 Expectation
The plan is for the 16-year-old gem to leave Manchester United as early as January. The move is definitely expected to take place in 2027, with Gabriel having secured a European Union passport, which is expected to make it easier for him to join a club outside England.
Bayern have remained in contact, but they are now viewed as an outside contender, partly because of the financial package involved and Real Madrid’s position in the race. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have also been alerted by Gabriel’s availability, but Real Madrid are regarded as the clear leading candidates for his signature.
Manchester United Breakthrough That Did Not Happen
Gabriel had featured against Atletico Madrid during Manchester United’s pre-season tour and had been expected to make history as the club’s youngest debutant in September’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton.
Instead, he has chosen to search elsewhere for senior football and has been training alone in Spain. His situation has created an opening for Europe’s elite, with Real Madrid now pressing to turn their advantage into a completed deal.
Development Record And Compensation Factors
Gabriel’s reputation has grown rapidly. He scored a hat-trick on his Uefa Youth League debut and was named the Premier League’s Under-18 player of the season last term, despite being only 14 during that season’s campaign.
Manchester United would be owed compensation if Gabriel leaves. That sum would be lower if he signs for a club outside the Premier League, which is another important factor in the wider transfer picture.
“The best 15-year-old in Europe,” was how Gabriel was described by a United source this year, while former interim manager Darren Fletcher said: “The world is his oyster.”
Carrick Urged Caution Over Handling Young Talent
After Manchester United’s EFL Cup defeat by Brighton, head coach Michael Carrick addressed Gabriel’s situation and stressed the need to protect a young player dealing with significant attention.
Carrick said: “We’ve got to be really careful of the whole situation. 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.”
