Real Madrid close to signing Manchester United 16-year-old JJ Gabriel

Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Manchester United 16-year-old forward JJ Gabriel, according to reports on 4 November 2026. The Spanish club have offered Gabriel a multi-year contract and, subject to final talks, hope to bring him to Madrid in January.

Gabriel is currently registered with Manchester United’s academy until the end of the season and, it is understood, United have not been contacted by the player’s representatives or by Real Madrid about the proposed move. Madrid’s offer is for a professional contract and the club are pursuing the transfer while final terms are discussed.

Real Madrid plan to use a FIFA provision that allows clubs in the European Union to register young players as professionals if they hold an EU passport; Gabriel is eligible to acquire an EU passport through both of his parents. Any transfer under that route would require FIFA sign-off, and a compensation fee would be payable to United if Gabriel were to join Madrid or another club.

Manchester United are on alert over a possible breach of regulations and will consider legal action if they believe any rules have been broken. Real Madrid have been approached for comment on their interest and the proposed method of signing Gabriel.

Gabriel walked out on United in September and is believed to be training in Spain. He made his United debut in a pre-season friendly against Atlético Madrid in Stockholm in August at the age of 15 and had been training with the first team.

Had Gabriel not informed United of his wish to leave, he would have been included in Michael Carrick’s squad for the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat by Brighton on 16 September, and a feature in that match would have made him the club’s youngest ever player. Last season Gabriel was the youngest winner of United’s academy player of the year award and was named the Premier League’s Under-18 player of the season.

Real Madrid hope to complete the move in January subject to final talks and FIFA approval; United could seek compensation and pursue legal avenues if they judge regulatory breaches have occurred.