JJ Gabriel has revealed why he is leaving Manchester United to join Real Madrid at the age of 16, telling Spanish outlet Marca: "My dream is to win the Ballon d'Or."
The teenager is set to move to the Spanish giants after disappearing from United in September in an effort to force through a transfer, having grown frustrated with the pace of his progress towards the senior squad. He has enlisted super agent Ali Barat to help achieve his ambition of a switch to the Bernabeu.
Interest from Europe's Elite
Gabriel attracted interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain before choosing Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid as his destination. Despite remaining registered with United, the club he joined in 2022, he has cut all ties with the Red Devils.
United are now considering legal action against Real to secure compensation above the sum of between £100,000 and £300,000 that FIFA typically requires in such cases. The club has yet to hear from Real, who are reported to have offered Gabriel a three-year contract worth more than £850,000 (€1m) a year.
Move to Madrid and Eligibility
Having previously trained in Barcelona, Gabriel has relocated to Madrid while the matter continues. He spoke to Marca alongside his father after a session with his personal coach.
Real Madrid face further hurdles beyond agreeing terms with Gabriel. He will need to join the club's reserve side, Real Madrid Castilla, as he is ineligible for the Youth League this season while registered with United.
Transfer Window and Giggs Warning
Players under 18 are normally barred from transferring so early, but Gabriel, who was born in England and holds Irish and Cypriot ancestry, possesses a European Union passport. Marca suggests his move to Real may not be confirmed until January, when the club can formally register him during the transfer window, meaning the situation could extend into 2027.
Gabriel has received a caution from United legend Ryan Giggs, who questioned his desire to leave the club. "So far in his career everything is going fine, why would you disrupt that? You're on the right track," Giggs said on Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel. "I trained at 15. I didn't play for the first team until two years later, so you have to have that patience that people just don't seem to have at the moment."
