Real Madrid Secures Verbal Deal for Manchester United's JJ Gabriel

Real Madrid has reached a verbal agreement to sign 16-year-old forward JJ Gabriel from Manchester United, with expectations to finalize the move in January. Gabriel, who joined United in 2022, has not returned to the club since leaving in September.

He was anticipated to debut as United's youngest senior player in the Carabao Cup against Brighton but opted to seek senior football elsewhere, training alone in Spain. His situation has drawn interest from various European clubs, including Barcelona and Paris St-Germain, but Real Madrid is now poised to secure his signature.

Although no formal club-to-club discussions have occurred, sources indicate that terms have been verbally agreed upon with Gabriel and his representatives. Gabriel, who has an EU passport, is seen as a top talent, having been named the Premier League’s Under-18 player of the season last term.

Manchester United would be entitled to compensation if he leaves, which would be reduced if he signs with a non-Premier League team. United head coach Michael Carrick has expressed the need to carefully manage the situation regarding Gabriel's welfare.