JJ Gabriel's next club revealed as transfer agreement close

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel is reportedly on the verge of completing a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid following weeks of intense speculation.

The 16-year-old has informed the Man Utd hierarchy of his desire to leave Old Trafford and it’s understood that he wants the club to terminate his contract in order to allow him to complete a Bosman move.

Gabriel hasn’t featured in a competitive match since scoring a hat-trick during a 5-1 win over Sabah FK in the UEFA Youth League in mid-September, and his representatives have been in talks with a host of elite clubs across Europe.

Chelsea were linked with a blockbuster move for the teenager following confirmation that he wants to leave Man Utd, but it quickly emerged that a transfer abroad was Gabriel’s most likely next move.

Barcelona have subsequently been touted as a possible destination, while Paris Saint-Germain are also eager to secure his signature, despite their recent purchases of Mika Godts, Ferran Torres and Maghnes Akliouche.

However, Spanish outlet SPORT claim that Gabriel has rejected an offer from PSG, with the 16-year-old set to join Real Madrid instead.

Los Blancos are eager to finalise a deal for the Man Utd attacker and it’s understood that talks are progressing well, with a transfer now expected to be completed as Real Madrid look to land one of the most exciting young prospects in European football.

JJ Gabriel transfer warning

While Gabriel looks set to complete a bombshell move to Real Madrid, former England internationals Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole believe he has been ill-advised by his camp.

Speaking about Gabriel’s situation on TNT Sports in September, Gerrard admitted: “It's not just in this situation. Broadly, it scares me in the game that kids can now be rushed and careers can be forced.

“I don't know the details and the background in this isolated situation with JJ Gabriel but, if you look at it all, he's at one of the biggest clubs in the world. They've got a history and a tradition of producing fantastic players.

“There will be top people behind the scenes at Manchester United but the big thing for me is, you've got an English coach [Michael Carrick] and an English assistant manager [Steve Holland] who will want to [play him]. When the time is right, and when they think he's ready, protect him... they will play him.

“Michael Carrick is from an academy, so he will want to play him. But it's not just in this situation, it's the game as a whole. I'm sure it's happening in other countries.

“These talents, they have parents, they have agents, outside influences that force and rush too soon, and it can affect a kid's career.”

Meanwhile, Cole added: “The fact he's had his name changed, for brand reasons... that's one thing. Him and a lot of other boys have been taken out of school.

“You have to be a kid first and a footballer afterwards. The whole situation has left a sour taste in the mouth of the people at Manchester United. They want to guide this kid, but one thing I would say, having watched him on a few occasions, is that he's super talented.

“I remember the noise before I made my debut. My journey was unusual in the sense that when you make your debut, you're 15, 16 or 17.

“The crowd are happy as one of their own is on the pitch. But when JJ Gabriel eventually makes his debut, at whatever club, there's going to be huge pressure on him now.”

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