Real Madrid are getting closer to completing a deal for one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel is close to joining Los Blancos, with the deal having already entered its final stages.
According to Jorge C. Picon, the 16-year-old’s camp expects his move to Real Madrid to be finalised either next week or the week after.
Gabriel has been looking for a new club for some time, and it appears that the Spanish giants have won the race for his signature.
United are understood to have held several meetings with Gabriel and his representatives in an attempt to convince him to remain at the club.
Both the club’s hierarchy and manager Michael Carrick have made every effort to persuade the young talent to stay, but without success.
The 16-year-old is reportedly determined to join Real Madrid and fulfil his long-standing dream.
Gabriel requested to leave United in September and has since been training individually in Spain while discussions over his future continue.
Interestingly, one of the factors working in Real Madrid’s favour is the possibility of offering Gabriel his first professional contract immediately.
Under English regulations, the young talent would have to wait until October 2027, when he turns 17, to sign a professional contract with United.
Meanwhile, under Spanish regulations, Real Madrid can offer him such an agreement at the age of 16, provided the necessary international transfer approvals are obtained.
Los Blancos have already reached a verbal agreement with the English youngster, having beaten Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich in the race for his signature.
Widely regarded as England’s biggest young talent at the moment, Gabriel’s reputation has grown significantly over recent months.
He has produced several outstanding performances for Manchester United’s academy, including a hat-trick against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League earlier this season.
However, the transfer is far from straightforward for Real Madrid, as the Spanish club still need to resolve the details of the deal with Manchester United.
If they manage to secure his signature ahead of the competition, it would represent a major success for the Spanish giants, who would add yet another promising talent to their squad for the future.
If Gabriel continues to develop at the same pace, it may not be long before he knocks on the door of Real Madrid’s first team in the Spanish capital. It remains to be seen how his career will unfold over the coming years.
