Real Madrid Close In on Man Utd Teen JJ Gabriel After Verbal Deal

Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with 16-year-old forward JJ Gabriel, who asked to leave Manchester United in September, according to Sky Sports, Metro and other outlets. Real intend to sign him in the January transfer window, Sky Sports reported, though no club-to-club talks have taken place yet.

Metro, citing Sky Germany, described the deal as an agreement in principle. Barca Blaugranes said reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported that an agreement is in place and that the hope is for a January move.

How the dispute with United developed

Gabriel, who turned 16 on Oct. 6, joined United's academy four years ago and played for the under-18 side at 14, Metro reported. He has not trained with United since he asked to leave in September.

According to Sky Sports, Gabriel and his camp felt he should have had more first-team involvement in pre-season and early in the season. The outlet reported that United believe they gave the player and his family a clear route to the first team while protecting his long-term development.

Sky Sports said Gabriel trained with the main group in pre-season and came off the bench in a friendly against AC Milan, but his family were unhappy with a nine-minute appearance. The outlet also reported that the family asked for him to play at least 20 minutes in three matches, including the Premier League game against Bournemouth on Oct. 25. United did not put him in their Champions League A-list squad, which made him ineligible for the match against Sabah, Sky Sports reported.

Club sources told Sky Sports the tension comes from the family wanting to chase historical records while United want to protect his long-term development.

When United's head coach Michael Carrick spoke earlier this season, when Gabriel's wish to leave first emerged, he stressed that the club needed to be careful and focus on the welfare and wellbeing of its younger players, Metro reported.

Why Real Madrid appear ahead of Barcelona

Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain were also reported to be interested. Sky Sports said Real have made the most progress.

Diario Sport, cited by Barca Blaugranes, reported that Gabriel prefers the sporting project at Barcelona but that the “main obstacle has been economic.” The report said Barcelona are unwilling to match his salary demands, while Real Madrid appear willing to. Barcelona sporting director Deco has previously played down talk of interest in the player, according to Barca Blaugranes.

Why it matters for the clubs and the player

The case shows how a teenager still registered with an English academy can line up a move abroad. Sky Sports said Gabriel is registered with United's academy until the end of the season. It also pointed to a FIFA loophole that lets European clubs tie young players to professional contracts if they hold a European passport. Gabriel qualifies through both parents, according to Sky Sports, and Metro said he holds an Irish passport.

For United, the financial consequence is compensation. Metro reported that the club would be due a fee if the move is completed, but that it would be lower if he joins a club outside the Premier League. Neither outlet gave a figure.

Sky Sports News also reported in October that United would consider legal action if a move goes ahead, though it understands this is not a concern for Gabriel's camp. Sky Sports said his camp originally asked for him to be de-registered immediately so he could become a free agent.

What happens next

The next step is whether Real Madrid and United open talks. Sky Sports reported none had occurred as of Nov. 4. The reported target for any move is the January window. None of the clubs involved had publicly confirmed a deal in the sources reviewed, and the agreement is described only as verbal.

Around Prague, based on reporting by Barca Blaugranes, Metro.co.uk, Sky Sports