JJ Gabriel has decided his next club as Man United receive an approach from CL giants | OneFootball

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Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel seems to have decided on his next destination.

According to 101GreatGoals, the 15-year-old is off to Real Madrid as soon as he turns 16, which is next month.

Interestingly, the La Liga giants exploited a loophole in the rules which renders United powerless to stop the England Under-17 international from leaving.

“JJ Gabriel is to join Real Madrid in October after asking to leave Manchester United, a source has told 101 Great Goals. It is believed Gabriel has made the decision because of an approach from Madrid.

Real Madrid have reportedly won the race

“The Premier League club are not obliged to accept the request and have to sanction Gabriel’s departure for the move to proceed. But United’s hands are somewhat tied because they cannot sign Gabriel on professional terms until he is 17 years of age or make him a scholar until his 16th birthday on October 6.

“That has opened the door for Madrid to make their move and exploit a loophole allowing them to sign players aged between 16 and 18 from a fellow European Union country. Gabriel holds an Irish passport, making him eligible.”

The Athletic have also hinted at the same, claiming that Los Blancos are indeed in the lead and are well positioned to strike.

Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are among the other names in the fray, alongside a whole host of English clubs.

Real ready to invest in JJ Gabriel

INEOS have not given up yet, but as things stand, the player views Spain as his dream destination.

The report also claims that the Madrid team are far more aggressive when it comes to the youth market, which explains how they have taken the lead in the race.

“Madrid have scouted Gabriel and admired his performance in United’s 5-0 Youth League win over Sabah last Thursday, when he scored a hat-trick. The 15-time Champions League winners feel well-positioned should he move on.

“Real Madrid’s willingness to invest so heavily in such a young player is no longer a surprise. Since Juni Calafat took charge of the club’s scouting department, Madrid have signed Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Endrick while they were still underage — with each joining officially once they turned 18.

Why JJ Gabriel will leave

“But when it comes to scouting talents holding a Spanish or other European passport, the club’s approach has intensified in recent months at the academy.”

Michael Carrick’s call not to involve JJ Gabriel more in pre-season and United’s reluctance to hand him first team chances so far this season have been mentioned as possible reasons for the change in stance of the player.

The starlet’s father is seen as the one pushing the buttons, and as things stand, United are set to lose their academy’s crown jewel.