Real Madrid Join Race for Man Utd Teenager JJ Gabriel After Exit Request

Real Madrid have emerged as one of the clubs pursuing Manchester United academy forward JJ Gabriel, after the highly rated 15-year-old formally requested to cancel his registration with the English club.

Gabriel, who turns 16 on October 6, has reportedly attracted interest from several major European clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. However, reports indicate that Real Madrid are making a strong push to secure his services.

Real Madrid are understood to want Gabriel immediately and could place him with Castilla, the club’s reserve side. Unlike academy football in England, Castilla compete in Spain’s senior league system, potentially providing the teenager with experience against older players.

Gabriel’s request to leave United has created uncertainty over his future. The youngster reportedly believes promises regarding his pathway towards the first team have not been fulfilled, although Manchester United maintain hope of convincing him to stay. The club has also said his registration currently runs until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Manchester United had been considering Gabriel for first-team involvement. He made his senior debut during pre-season against Atlético Madrid and was expected to be included in the squad for the Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton before his request to leave became public.

United subsequently lost that match 3-2, surrendering a two-goal lead at Old Trafford.

United head coach Michael Carrick has urged caution around the situation, stressing the importance of protecting the teenager’s welfare and managing his exposure carefully.

“I just think we’ve got to be really careful of the whole situation,” Carrick said. “He’s a young boy. He’s 15, and … looking after our younger players – their welfare, their well-being, their exposure – we’ve got to be really conscious of that in this situation.”

The situation is also complicated by registration rules governing young players. Manchester United say Gabriel’s registration remains in place until the end of the season, while his Irish passport could make a move to an EU-based club possible once he turns 16.

A move to Real Madrid would potentially see Gabriel continue his development with Castilla rather than immediately joining the senior first team. The Spanish club’s interest therefore adds another major option to a transfer situation that Manchester United are still trying to resolve.

For now, Gabriel is reportedly not training with United, while discussions over his future continue.