Sports · Football · 1 hr ago
JJ Gabriel nears move from Manchester United to Real Madrid
JJ Gabriel, a 16-year-old Manchester United forward, is close to joining Real Madrid.
He formally asked to leave United in September, and the Spanish club is reported to be waiting to complete the move.
Gabriel has said he prefers Madrid to Barcelona, another club that showed interest.
He made his United Under-18 debut at 14 and scored a hat-trick in his first UEFA Youth League match this season.
He says he wants to win the Ballon d’Or, an award for the world’s best footballer.
His family has pointed to limited chances with United’s first team as a reason for seeking a move.
If the transfer is completed, he is expected to play for Madrid’s Castilla side and in the Youth League.
JJ Gabriel, 16, is nearing a move from Manchester United to Real Madrid, but no deal has been signed.
BBC Sport says Gabriel and Real have reached a verbal agreement, while the Daily Mail reports the move is expected to be finalised in January.
Gabriel has been training in Spain after leaving United’s academy setup and asking to leave the club.
He told Marca that his dream is to win the Ballon d’Or and said he preferred Real Madrid to Barcelona.
United could receive compensation if he leaves, though the amount has not been confirmed.
- Who
- JJ Gabriel, a 16-year-old Manchester United forward, and Real Madrid.
- What
- Gabriel is nearing a move to Real Madrid. The clubs have not signed a deal.
- When
- The reports were published on 7 November 2026; Gabriel asked to leave United in September.
- Where
- Gabriel has been training in Spain, including in Madrid.
- Why
- Gabriel’s family is seeking an exit from United; the Daily Mail reports that they want him to learn from top clubs.### opposing
- Manchester United
- Gabriel and his representatives
- Gabriel’s departure
- United has not agreed to a club-to-club deal; ESPN reports the club still hopes to keep him and may consider legal action over any illegal approaches. | Gabriel and his representatives asked for him to leave United, and he has stayed away from its academy setup.
- Reason for the move
- United’s position on its reasons is not stated. | The Daily Mail reports that his family is dissatisfied with United’s decline and wants him to learn from top clubs.### quotes
- JJ Gabriel
- Manchester United forward | BBC Sport | My dream is to win a Ballon d'Or.
- JJ Gabriel
- Manchester United forward | Daily Mail | Obviously Madrid.### timeline
- 2022
- Marca reports that Gabriel joined Manchester United after time in the Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham academies.
- September 2026
- Gabriel and his representatives asked to leave United, according to ESPN.
- 6 October 2026
- Gabriel turned 16, according to ESPN.
- Friday, 6 November 2026
- Gabriel spoke to Marca in Spain about his Ballon d’Or ambition and his preference for Real Madrid.### key-facts
- Age
- 16
- Current club registration
- Manchester United
- Potential destination
- Real Madrid
- Agreement status
- Verbal agreement reported by BBC Sport; no deal signed
- Youth League highlight
- Hat-trick against Sabah in September
- Ballon d’Or ambition
- Gabriel said it is his dream to win the award