Real Madrid have approached Manchester United about signing 15-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel. Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard feels that a move to the Bernabeu might not be in the best interests of the promising player.
Last week, Gabriel officially requested that the Red Devils release him from his registration. The 15-year-old attacking player is eager to leave United and become a free agent.
Despite his wishes, the club has refused to grant this request. However, Gabriel will be eligible to depart next month upon turning 16. With an Irish passport, his transition to a foreign club could become significantly easier.
Gabriel, who found the back of the net 29 times in 32 matches for United's U18 side, is considered one of the academy's brightest talents. He is capable of playing as a striker, left winger, or attacking midfielder. Former youth coach has praised the young player’s abilities.
Not the quickest player but with a great shot, he possesses excellent footwork and is known for his ability to strike from either side. Always keen to stay behind after training for extra shots, his love for scoring shines through. He thrives in and around the box and frequently plays against older kids. Keen to learn, always smiling, he is a delightful character.
Ryan Giggs has already dubbed him a generational talent, and a source who has been following his journey since he joined the club has echoed that sentiment.
As a player, he is an elite technician and a true maverick. He scores and creates – he is a generational talent. He is really that good.
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly interested in Gabriel and have held positive discussions with him. Spanish outlet AS reports that the Spanish giants have reached out to the English club.
His talent has certainly caught the attention of top clubs across Europe, but the decision to leave United just days before his 16th birthday has raised alarms in sporting departments, including those of Real and Barcelona, who are once again vying for a young talent. JJ Gabriel's Irish background could provide a pathway for his move from England in the coming days. In recent hours, there have been reports of the promising teenager being seen in Barcelona. Just a few days prior, he was offered to Real Madrid, whose hierarchy is currently examining the potential deal and its associated risks. Valdebebas has also contacted Manchester United to inform them that they are aware of the player's situation, which is currently garnering interest from several clubs including Real Madrid. It is crucial that Gabriel does not yet have a professional contract with United, which would facilitate his departure.
Former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard firmly believes it's in the lad's best interest to remain in England and develop under Michael Carrick, rather than opting for a move to Jose Mourinho's Spanish side.
Let's take Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid as an example. Even if JJ Gabriel moves to Real Madrid, will Mourinho throw this kid straight into the fray? Will there be pressure on him to be in the starting lineup? Elite coaches work the way they do: they bring young ones into the fold only when they are ready to contribute. We need to take care of the boy and ensure he receives proper nurturing – and Manchester United can provide that. There’s no need to rush or panic. I don’t know what promises have been made from the other side, but it certainly smells of someone pushing for this to happen too quickly. I don’t think it will help the kid at all. I know Michael Carrick very well, and if this lad was ready, he would already be playing.
