REPORT: REAL MADRID SHOW INTEREST IN MAN UNITED WONDERKID JJ GABRIEL
Read Time:2 Minute, 18 Second
By:Aminat Tajudeen
Real Madrid have entered the race to sign Manchester United academy prospect JJ Gabriel, with several of Europe’s top clubs also reportedly monitoring the highly rated teenager.
According to BBC Sport on Thursday, the 15-year-old has formally informed Manchester United of his intention to cancel his registration with immediate effect, although the club has the option to contest the request.
Gabriel, who will turn 16 on October 6, has attracted interest from a number of prominent European clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
However, reports suggest Real Madrid are particularly determined to secure his services, with the Spanish club keen to bring the forward in immediately and integrate him into Real Madrid Castilla, their reserve team.
Unlike academy football in England, Castilla compete in Spain’s senior football structure and currently play in the country’s regionalised third tier.
Sources close to Gabriel claim that the teenager and his representatives are unhappy with Manchester United, believing that promises regarding his progression towards the first team have not been fulfilled.
United, meanwhile, remain hopeful of convincing Gabriel to stay and are reportedly unclear about the exact reasons for his decision to leave.
The teenager is currently not training with the club.
Manchester United had reportedly considered Gabriel for a potential appearance in their EFL Cup clash against Brighton, which could have made him the club’s youngest-ever senior player. United, however, suffered a 3-2 defeat after surrendering a two-goal lead.
United head coach Michael Carrick, who gave Gabriel his senior debut in a pre-season fixture against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, has urged caution over the situation.
Carrick stressed the importance of protecting the teenager’s welfare and limiting his exposure, given his age.
Those close to Gabriel have dismissed concerns over his age and physical development, citing Arsenal youngster Max Dowman’s senior debut at 15 as an example of a club giving a teenage player first-team opportunities.
Real Madrid are not alone in their interest, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea also reportedly keeping a close eye on Gabriel.
Any immediate departure from Old Trafford could face complications because of regulations governing the registration and transfer of young players.
Manchester United maintain that Gabriel’s registration remains valid until the end of the season, potentially making a move easier after the campaign, when he will have turned 16.
However, Gabriel holds an EU passport, which could make him eligible to join a club within the European Union once he reaches the age of 16.
For now, Gabriel’s future remains unresolved as Manchester United seek to retain one of their most highly rated academy prospects amid growing interest from several leading European clubs.
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