Sixteen-year-old Gabriel leaves Man Utd for Real Madrid

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 7 Nov, 11:30 · Archive

Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel has reached a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid after requesting to leave United in September.

JJ Gabriel, 16, has reached a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid after formally requesting to leave Manchester United in September. The forward has not trained with United since then and is now based in Madrid working with a personal trainer.

Gabriel joined United's academy four years ago and became one of the club's most highly-rated youngsters, featuring for the U18 side at just 14. He played under Michael Carrick during pre-season but his representatives grew unhappy with his first-team integration and playing opportunities at the club.

In an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, Gabriel revealed his ambition. When asked why he preferred Real Madrid to Barcelona, he said: 'Obviously, Madrid.' He then stated: 'My dream is to win the Ballon d'Or.' The teenager has an Irish passport, which the outlets say enables him to move under FIFA regulations allowing certain European players aged 16 to 18 to transfer within the European Union.

The move is expected to be finalised in January. Real Madrid are planning for Gabriel to develop with their reserve side, Castilla, before potentially progressing to the first team. He has been offered a three-year contract worth more than £850,000 per season, according to the Mirror.

United attempted to keep Gabriel by offering a new contract and a pathway to senior football but he has cut all ties with the club. United are considering legal action against Real and expect training compensation of around £350,000, though figures reported vary between £100,000 and £300,000.

How it is being reported

• My dream is to win Ballon d'Or - GabrielManchester United forward JJ Gabriel says his "dream is to win the Ballon d'Or", as he closes in on a move to Real Madrid.BBC Sport · 7 Nov, 12:25
• 'I want to win the Ballon d'Or': JJ Gabriel sets out his lofty ambitions as Man United wonderkid, 16, closes in on move to Real Madrid after quitting Red DevilsManchester United starlet JJ Gabriel has revealed his ambition to win the Ballon d'Or as he dropped the clearest hint yet that he is heading to Real Madrid in an interview with Spanish media.Daily Mail Sport · 7 Nov, 11:09
• JJ Gabriel has set himself a huge target at Real MadridWonderkid has given his first interview to a Spanish newspaper ahead of imminent Manchester United exitEvening Standard · 7 Nov, 10:21
• JJ Gabriel breaks silence on Man Utd exit with eight-word explanation for Real Madrid moveJJ Gabriel gave a brief interview to a Spanish newspaper in Madrid as his protracted and bitter move from Manchester United to Real Madrid edges closer to completionMirror Sport · 7 Nov, 09:28
• JJ Gabriel reveals key motivation behind Real Madrid transfer after Man Utd exitJJ Gabriel is poised to leave Manchester United (Picture: Getty) JJ Gabriel has revealed the key motivation behind his impending move to Real Madrid after turning his back on Manchester United . Gabriel, who turned 16 on October 6, informed United of his desire to leave in September and has not…Metro · 7 Nov, 08:13

In this story: JJ Gabriel · Manchester United · Real Madrid · Barcelona · Ali Barat · Michael Carrick

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