Real Madrid have made contact with Manchester United over a potential move for teenage academy prospect JJ Gabriel, according to reports in Spain. The England youth international recently turned 16 and is attracting interest from several leading European clubs.
Gabriel joined United’s academy in 2022 and has progressed quickly through the club’s youth system. He scored 29 goals and provided four assists in 32 appearances last season before stepping up to the Under-21s.
The forward has continued to make an impact at that level this campaign, recording two goals and two assists in 120 minutes of action.
Real Madrid interest in JJ Gabriel
His position at Manchester United has become less certain after he reportedly indicated last month that he wanted to leave the club.
Real Madrid have now contacted United to clarify Gabriel’s contractual situation and explore the possibility of negotiating a transfer fee. The Spanish club are understood to have set a financial limit for any deal, although the figure has not been disclosed.
José Félix Díaz, writing in AS, said: “Real Madrid kept United’s management informed at all times of the possibility of signing him and their willingness to negotiate a transfer fee for the young English talent.”
Real Madrid are not alone in monitoring the teenager. Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested as competition for his signature grows.
Gabriel’s eligibility for an EU passport could influence his next move, given the restrictions governing international transfers involving young players.
Manchester United will be keen to avoid losing another highly rated academy player and are expected to seek an outcome that safeguards his long-term development. For now, Real Madrid have made their interest clear, but Gabriel’s future remains undecided as he considers whether to pursue a new challenge in Spain or Germany.
