Manchester United will consider legal action against any European club that signs JJ Gabriel while he remains registered to them, with Real Madrid closing in on a deal for the 16-year-old. The teenager walked away from United in September, but the club still hold his registration. Old Trafford officials have had no contact from Real Madrid or Gabriel's family about a potential move and remain in the dark over his plans.
Gabriel's departure and current status
Gabriel has not returned to Old Trafford or Carrington since leaving after scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League victory over Sabah on September 10. United have tried to contact his family out of concern for his well-being, but those attempts have been rebuffed. They have had no further contact since he opted to quit the club.
Real Madrid look to have beaten competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, among others, for his signature. Gabriel has secured a European Union passport, making it easier for him to join a club outside England after turning 16 last month.
Compensation and legal considerations
Any move to Madrid would require FIFA approval, although that is expected to be a formality. United would receive compensation, but the expected sum of between £100,000 and £300,000 is considerably below his transfer value. The prospect of that payment does not remove the possibility of legal action, with United prepared to consider their options if a European club signs him while he is still registered at Old Trafford.
United's position centres on Gabriel's continuing registration with the club despite his departure in September. Although Real Madrid are closing in on his signature, United have not received contact from the Spanish club or his family, leaving officials without direct confirmation of the teenager's plans for his next career move.
Background to the transfer saga
Gabriel featured for United's first team in pre-season and was set to become their youngest-ever first-team player against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. However, his family pulled him out of the club three weeks before his 16th birthday, unhappy with the wait for an opportunity. His family had demanded appearances against Sabah and Brighton, as well as a Premier League debut.
