Real Madrid have reportedly joined the growing list of European giants interested in Manchester United academy prospect JJ Gabriel.
The 15-year-old forward has formally notified Manchester United of his intention to cancel his registration with immediate effect, according to BBC Sport. However, the club has the right to challenge the request.
Gabriel, who turns 16 on October 6, is attracting interest from several top European clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
However, Real Madrid are understood to be particularly keen on signing the highly rated teenager. The Spanish giants are reportedly considering an immediate move, with plans to place Gabriel in Real Madrid Castilla, their reserve side competing in Spain’s third tier.
Sources close to Gabriel claim the youngster and his representatives feel disappointed with Manchester United, believing assurances regarding his pathway to the first team have not been fulfilled.
United, meanwhile, remain hopeful of retaining the teenager and are understood to be seeking clarity over the reasons behind his decision to leave.
Gabriel is currently not training with the club. United had reportedly considered giving him the opportunity to become their youngest-ever senior player in the EFL Cup clash against Brighton, although he ultimately did not feature as United suffered a 3-2 defeat after surrendering a two-goal lead.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has urged caution over the situation, stressing the need to protect the teenager’s welfare.
“He’s a young boy. He’s 15, and for me, definitely, and from a club point of view, looking after our younger players – their welfare, their well-being, their exposure – we’ve got to be really conscious of that in this situation,” Carrick said after the Brighton match.
Those close to Gabriel have rejected concerns over his age and physical development, pointing to Arsenal youngster Max Dowman, who made his senior debut at 15, as an example of a club giving a young player first-team opportunities.
Gabriel’s potential departure could also be complicated by regulations governing the registration of young players. Manchester United maintain that his registration runs until the end of the season, meaning a move could be more straightforward once the campaign concludes.
The teenager holds an EU passport and could potentially be eligible to join a club within the European Union once he turns 16.
For now, Gabriel’s future remains uncertain, with Manchester United facing strong competition from some of Europe’s biggest clubs for one of their most highly rated academy prospects.