Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Real Madrid is reportedly among the top clubs seeking to sign Manchester United academy player JJ Gabriel. The 15-year-old recently submitted a formal request to cancel his registration with Manchester United immediately, although the club retains the right to challenge this decision. Gabriel’s desire to leave has drawn significant attention from several prominent European teams.
Besides Real Madrid, clubs such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea are said to be showing strong interest in the young forward. Sources describe Real Madrid’s pursuit as particularly determined, with the Spanish giants aiming to integrate Gabriel straight into their Castilla side. Unlike reserve teams in England, Castilla competes in the third tier of Spanish football, a senior-level competition. Last season, Castilla was managed by Álvaro Arbeloa, who briefly took charge of Real Madrid’s senior squad after Xabi Alonso’s departure before moving on to Fulham.
Close to turning 16 on October 6, Gabriel’s associates feel frustrated with Manchester United, citing unfulfilled promises about his pathway to the first team. The club, however, maintain that Gabriel was expected to become their youngest senior player during the recent EFL Cup tie against Brighton—a match United ultimately lost 3-2 after leading 2-0. Despite this, United remains hopeful of retaining the youngster, though the exact reasons behind his wish to leave remain unclear. At present, Gabriel is reportedly not involved in training sessions with the club.
Following the Brighton game, United head coach Michael Carrick, who had previously given Gabriel his senior debut during a pre-season game against Atletico Madrid, emphasized the need to consider the player’s young age carefully. “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,” Carrick remarked. In contrast, those close to Gabriel dismiss concerns about his age and physical readiness, pointing to players like Arsenal’s Max Dowman, who debuted at 15 last season, as examples of clubs willing to trust and develop youth talent.
The potential transfer faces regulatory complexities due to rules around the registration of young players. Manchester United claim Gabriel’s registration extends until the end of the current season, making a departure easier once he reaches 16. However, holding an EU passport may allow Gabriel to join a club inside the European Union on his 16th birthday, potentially smoothing the move to clubs like Real Madrid
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.