Madrid join race to sign Man United teenager JJ Gabriel – Report

Real Madrid have entered the race to sign Manchester United's teenage star JJ Gabriel, with several other major European clubs also reportedly showing interest in the highly rated 15-year-old forward. Gabriel has officially informed Manchester United that he wishes to terminate his registration, though the club retains the right to contest the request.

Gabriel, who will turn 16 on October 6, has garnered attention from top European clubs, including Barça, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. However, Real Madrid's pursuit of the forward appears particularly strong, with the Spanish club eager to sign him promptly and integrate him into Real Madrid Castilla, their reserve team.

Unlike English academy football, Castilla plays in Spain's senior football system, currently at the third tier of the country's league structure. Gabriel and his representatives claim they feel let down by Manchester United, alleging that assurances regarding his progression to the first team have not been met. United, however, remains hopeful of retaining Gabriel, though they are uncertain about the reasons for his decision to leave.

The teenager has not been training with the club since his request to leave was made. United had hoped Gabriel could become their youngest-ever senior player, set to feature in their EFL Cup match against Brighton. Despite losing the game 3-2 after taking a 2-0 lead, United coach Michael Carrick cautioned against overreacting to Gabriel's situation, emphasizing the importance of looking after young players' welfare and exposure.

Gabriel's agent refutes concerns about his age and physicality, citing Arsenal's Max Dowman as an example of a club trusting a young player in a first-team role. Real Madrid is not the only club monitoring Gabriel's situation, as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea are also understood to have significant interest.

Gabriel's potential move away from Old Trafford could be complicated by regulations governing the registration of young players, with United maintaining that Gabriel's registration remains in effect until the end of the season.