Real Madrid and Barcelona have been at it once again in the transfer market, trying to sign Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel.
The 16-year-old Red Devils starlet has gone on strike at the English club and is pushing to have his contract ripped up.
Los Blancos are hoping to secure one of Europe’s most exciting teenage prospects and see him wear white in the future.
According to Mail Sport (h/t Madrid Zone), confidence is growing inside Madrid that the 16-year-old could choose the Santiago Bernabeu as his next destination.
However, the youngster is not yet fully committed to the move.
Madrid gaining ground in the race for Gabriel
Barcelona, Bayern Munich and PSG have also been linked with the teenager, making his recruitment a competitive affair.
The youngster has already demonstrated remarkable attacking potential in United’s academy, scoring 23 goals in 23 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League.
Gabriel JJ is keen on leaving Manchester United. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Madrid have explored the legal requirements surrounding his transfer, with Gabriel’s European citizenship potentially helping facilitate a move despite his age.
Under normal circumstances, the Englishman might not be able to move abroad due to Brexit restrictions.
However, should he secure a European passport, that would allow Los Blancos to bypass the restriction and secure Gabriel’s signature.
Why Gabriel appeals to Real Madrid
Gabriel’s technical ability, close control and instinct for finding scoring opportunities make him an attractive long-term investment.
For Madrid, the appeal extends beyond his individual talent. Signing him would represent another attempt to secure elite youngsters before they become established first-team stars.
This way, Los Blancos would see his value rise through the roof rather than paying an enormous fee after it already has.
Real Madrid need to offer JJ Gabriel a clear pathway to the first team. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
His potential arrival would also allow them to get one over Barça, who got the upper hand in the Rodri battle in the summer.
Madrid must offer more than prestige
The most interesting aspect of Gabriel’s situation is his dissatisfaction with opportunities at Manchester United.
If regular senior football is central to his decision, Madrid must present a convincing development pathway rather than relying solely on the club’s reputation.
With Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and several other attacking options already competing for minutes, an immediate first-team role looks close to impossible.
A carefully managed pathway through Madrid’s youth structure, with opportunities earned through performances, would be a sustainable solution.
Gabriel has not yet chosen Madrid, but it does look like the Spanish giants are ahead of everyone else in the race.
It remains to be seen how the 16-year-old’s future pans out and whether Los Blancos secure the signature of the talented Englishman.