Real Madrid near deal for 16‑year‑old JJ Gabriel as rivals fade

Real Madrid are expected to complete the signing of Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel, the 16‑year‑old, by the beginning of next week, with his move to the Spanish capital in its final stages. The teenager has made his preference clear, choosing the Spanish club over other European suitors.

Negotiations and rival clubs

According to journalist Ben Fernandes Santos, the agreement is close to being finalised and the forward has indicated his choice to the European clubs chasing his signature. Gabriel attracted attention across Europe after his decision to leave Manchester United in September. Real Madrid emerged as his preferred destination after tough negotiations, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint‑Germain previously linked.

Manchester United failed to convince JJ Gabriel to stay, with club executives and manager Michael Carrick holding discussions with the player and his representatives. Real Madrid could announce the signing by next week. Those efforts did not alter his intention to pursue a move to Real Madrid.

The teenager requested to leave United in September and has since been training independently in Spain while his future is being resolved. His decision became clearer when he was asked to choose between Barcelona and Real Madrid, to which he replied, “Obviously, Real Madrid.”

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Real Madrid had reached a verbal agreement with the teenager and were confident of signing him. Formal club‑to‑club negotiations had not taken place until a few weeks back.

Real Madrid have a clear development plan and have won the race for JJ Gabriel. The club are understood to want him to begin his development with Castilla, allowing him to experience senior football while remaining close to the first‑team environment. The Spanish pathway offers an attractive opportunity for the teenager to progress towards the senior squad.

His representative, Ali Barat, has been involved in discussions over the move. Reports have suggested that Jose Mourinho played a role in convincing Gabriel that Madrid would be the right destination.

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Real Madrid are set to sign the highly‑rated teenager. The official announcement could be arriving soon.