Real Madrid leads Barcelona in race for JJ Gabriel

Real Madrid currently holds a stronger position than Barcelona in the contest to sign Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel. The 16-year-old has made the decision to depart Old Trafford, with his next club expected to be confirmed during the January 2027 winter transfer window.

Transfer timeline and obstacles

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg indicates that all involved parties are aiming for an exit in January. While Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain monitor the situation, the German side has not yet submitted a formal offer. Administrative barriers remain a potential complication for the deal.

According to the BBC, Gabriel is currently in Spain working with a private fitness coach while his career path is determined elsewhere. A significant hurdle involves paperwork: the player is investigating the possibility of securing a European passport to facilitate a move to an EU-based club.

Competition from Spanish giants

Gabriel, often referred to as "the little Messi" due to his individual skills and talent, attracts interest from both major Spanish clubs. Real Madrid reportedly expresses confidence in finalizing the agreement. Barcelona continues to pose a serious threat in the race, though no definitive choice regarding the forward's destination has been reached.

Manchester United intends to reverse the situation and retain the player, but their prospects appear limited. The Guardian reports that if Gabriel joins a club outside England, United may receive training compensation of only approximately £350 thousand. This sum falls significantly short of the value he might command on the open market.