JJ Gabriel has reached a verbal agreement in principle with Real Madrid after telling Manchester United he wants to leave, according to reports.
The forward, who turned 16 on October 6, informed United of his wish to depart in September and has not trained with the club since. Gabriel joined United's academy four years ago and became one of the most highly-rated youngsters at the club, featuring for the U18 side at 14.
Background and Interest
Gabriel played under Michael Carrick during the club's pre-season camp and was expected to make his competitive first-team debut earlier this season against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Instead, he and his entourage explored other options, with the youngster making clear he wanted first-team football elsewhere.
Several European clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, expressed interest in signing the teenager. Reports from Sky Germany indicate Real Madrid are now closing in on a deal.
Potential Move and Compensation
Gabriel, who has an Irish passport, could finalise a move to the Spanish giants as early as January next year. United would be due compensation if the move is completed, although the figure will be lower if he signs for a club outside the Premier League.
Speaking earlier in the campaign when reports of Gabriel's desire to leave first emerged, Carrick said: "I just think we've got to be really careful of the whole situation."
"He's a young boy, he's 15 and the biggest [thing] for me definitely and as a club point of view is looking after our younger players. Their welfare, their wellbeing, their exposure," Carrick added. "And I think all of us we've got to be really conscious of that, really, in this situation. As a club, for sure, we're all involved in those conversations. I just think we've got to be very careful of that."
