Real Madrid are leading the race to sign Manchester United academy player JJ Gabriel, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. Barcelona have also made contact with the 15-year-old, but Romano says Real Madrid are currently ahead in the running.
Romano delivered the update on his video channel, describing the situation as highly complex and involving multiple parties. Gabriel and his team have made their desire to leave Manchester United clear, and the player has even refused to train, Romano said.
Spain the most likely destination
Romano said Spain is now the most probable next stop for Gabriel if he does leave United. Real Madrid and Barcelona have very different development plans and pathways for the young player, and Romano said the final decision will rest with Gabriel, his family and his team.
Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and several Premier League clubs have also enquired about Gabriel, Romano noted. A year ago, Manchester City came very close to signing him before he changed his mind at the last moment and chose to stay at United.
United have not given up
Romano said Manchester United have not abandoned hope of keeping Gabriel. The club intends to speak with the player, his family and his agent in the coming days in an attempt to resolve the situation, and Romano said United do not want to force anyone to stay.
Romano added that the club’s senior leadership, including Ratcliffe, board members and the head coach, are all involved in handling the matter. He said every person at the club will play a part in ensuring the situation is dealt with as well as possible.
A player United consider exceptional
Romano described Gabriel as one of the most outstanding academy talents in Manchester United’s history. The club has discussed his development internally for many years and had no intention of letting him go.
Romano said the events of recent days have come as a shock to United. The club acknowledges the situation will be difficult to resolve, and Romano assessed their chances of keeping Gabriel as low at present, though he stressed United are still trying.
