JJ Gabriel enters talks with Real Madrid

JJ Gabriel has taken another significant step towards a potential Manchester United exit, with the 15-year-old now holding talks with Real Madrid.

According to the Daily Mail’s Chris Wheeler on X, Gabriel has already spoken to the Spanish giants, who remain strongly in the mix for his signature.

The development comes on the same day that Gabriel arrived in Barcelona for talks over his future.

It underlines just how quickly the situation has moved since Gabriel formally requested the cancellation of his United registration earlier this week.

For United, losing him would mean watching one of Carrington’s most exciting talents walk away just as senior football appeared within touching distance.

Gabriel became United’s youngest-ever Under-18 player at 14, scoring twice against Leeds United on his debut at that level.

Last season brought 26 goals and four assists from 29 appearances as he played above his age group.

He also helped United reach the FA Youth Cup final.

His performances earned him the inaugural Premier League Under-18 Player of the Season award and the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year prize.

Gabriel has since trained with United’s first team and featured during pre-season, before scoring a hat-trick against Sabah FK on his UEFA Youth League debut earlier this month.

Real Madrid’s interest is particularly significant because they reportedly have a clear plan for Gabriel.

The Spanish giants are understood to want him immediately, with Real Madrid Castilla offering a pathway into senior men’s football in Spain.

Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked, while two Premier League clubs have reportedly shown interest.

United can still contest Gabriel’s attempt to cancel his registration, with the dispute potentially heading to a compensation tribunal if an agreement cannot be reached.

However, Gabriel speaking directly with Real Madrid represents another worrying development for United as Europe’s biggest clubs circle their prized academy talent.