Manchester United are prepared to take legal action against Real Madrid to secure proper compensation for teenage star JJ Gabriel, who is reportedly close to joining the Spanish club after going AWOL from Old Trafford.
Gabriel, 16, has reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid after considering a number of European giants, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. His future has been the subject of speculation since he requested to leave United in September, frustrated at being made to wait for his first-team debut and concerned by the club's drop in status in recent years.
Compensation dispute looms
United still hold Gabriel's registration and are unwilling to lose one of Europe's most exciting young players for a minimal fee. According to the Manchester Evening News, United have not been contacted by Real Madrid or Gabriel's camp over the move, but the club will consider legal action because the compensation fee due once FIFA approve the move would be well below his market value, at between £100,000 and £300,000.
The race for the best young talent has intensified in recent years, leading to notable tribunal cases between rivals. In February, Liverpool were ordered to pay Chelsea £2.8 million in compensation for Rio Ngumoha.
Gabriel's exit and contract offer
Gabriel, who turned 16 in October, has secured a European Union passport, which will help smooth a move abroad. He has been training in Castelldefels in Barcelona since walking away from United, and the club have made repeated attempts to contact him since he last played in September without receiving any response.
United are said to be aghast at the teenager's approach to forcing through a move, given he has been nurtured at Carrington since joining in 2022. Reports in Spain say Gabriel has been tempted by a three-year contract worth more than £850,000 (€1 million) per season, and he is being represented by agent Ali Bharat, who has helped facilitate his exit along with his family.
The move is likely to involve further wrangling between United and Real Madrid over the compensation fee, with the Premier League club determined to secure a fair return for one of their most promising prospects.
