Real Madrid to take ‘New Messi’ from Man Utd?

Carlo Garganese

14 Oct 2025 04:01 CDT
3 min read

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, 2025 — © IMAGO

Real Madrid are hoping to take Manchester United teenage phenomenon JJ Gabriel to the Spanish capital.

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The 15-year-old forward is considered one of the most exciting youngsters to emerge in the United academy for years and he has been nicknamed as 'Kid Messi'.

Current ETV

Lionel Messi

F, AM (R)

Inter Miami

Lionel Messi

F, AM (R)

Inter Miami

ETV Range

€6.2M - €8.3M

Gabriel has scored seven goals in six games this season for Man Utd's Under-18s despite playing with much older kids and only just turning 15 this month.

Fichajes reports that such is his brilliance that a host of Europe's biggest clubs are queuing up for him.

Real Madrid want to sign 'Kid Messi'

The club who are pushing the most for Gabriel is Real Madrid, says the report.

Madrid are said to be very impressed by Gabriel's tricks and skills, which have gone viral on social media and YouTube.

But Madrid face competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, who are also lining up a move for the starlet.

JJ Gabriel’s record since Darren Fletcher moves him to a central role:

5 appearances
7 goals
1 assist

15-years-old and tearing up the U18 PL. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/3ASkGAWb3c
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 10, 2025

Gabriel is coached by former Man Utd midfielder Darren Fletcher but certainly seems to have a bright future in the game.

He is eligible to play for the England, Ireland, Cyprus and Trinidad and Tobago national teams.

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