16-year-old JJ Gabriel discusses pending move from Manchester United to Real Madrid
The teenager has spoken to Spanish newspaper Marca about his planned transfer to Real Madrid, while Manchester United consider legal action over the deal.
Manchester United’s 16-year-old forward JJ Gabriel told Spanish newspaper Marca in Madrid that he hopes to join Real Madrid, saying his "dream is to win the Ballon d'Or." The player, who has been absent from United since September, is working with agent Ali Barat to complete the transfer. United, who signed Gabriel in 2022, are reportedly evaluating legal options to secure compensation beyond the typical FIFA fee of £100,000-£300,000.
According to Marca, Real Madrid have offered Gabriel a three-year contract worth more than £850,000 per season, but the move may not be announced until the January transfer window when the club can officially register him. Gabriel would initially join Real’s reserve side, Castilla, as he remains registered with United and is ineligible for the Youth League this season.
"So far in his career everything is going fine, why would you disrupt that? You’re on the right track," former United player Ryan Giggs said on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, urging patience for the young striker’s development.
Gabriel, born in England with Irish and Cypriot heritage, holds an EU passport, which facilitates the cross-border transfer despite his age.