One of the most promising talents in Manchester United’s academy, JJ Gabriel, appears to be close to leaving the English club, with his future potentially set to be decided between two Spanish football giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The 16-year-old officially requested to leave Manchester United last month, asking for his registration as an academy player to be cancelled, which would pave the way for a move to another club.
Gabriel is regarded as one of the biggest talents of his generation and attracted attention following a series of impressive performances for Manchester United’s youth teams. He scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah on September 10, but has not trained with the English club since then.
According to reports from international media, the youngster has been training in Barcelona, while interest from the two La Liga giants has become increasingly concrete.
“Sky Sports Germany” journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that both Real Madrid and Barcelona have already contacted the player’s representatives and submitted significant financial offers.
Manchester United’s chances of keeping the young talent at Old Trafford appear to be diminishing, with a final decision on the club where Gabriel will continue his career expected to be made in the coming weeks.
The battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona for the signing of one of European football’s most sought-after young talents is expected to be one of the most intriguing stories of the upcoming transfer window.