Real Madrid already have a roadmap planned for exit-bound Manchester United prodigy | OneFootball

According to ESPN, Real Madrid have already mapped out what they want Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel to do if they manage to bring him to Spain.

The plan is for Gabriel to begin his Real Madrid career with Castilla, giving the highly rated teenager a pathway into senior football while allowing the club to manage his development away from the immediate pressure of the first team.

Gabriel and his representatives have stunned Manchester United by pushing for a departure from Old Trafford. 

As per the outlet, Manchester United are not prepared to cancel his current contract, while the teenager cannot be de-registered, meaning his situation is unlikely to be resolved immediately.

JJ Gabriel’s future has opened the door for Real Madrid

Gabriel turns 16 on October 6, after which he will be eligible to sign scholarship forms. 

Real Madrid plan to put JJ Gabriel into the B-team if they sign him. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

His Irish passport also means he can move to another European club, putting Real Madrid and Barcelona among the clubs alerted to his situation.

For now, Real Madrid are said to be working on a deal for the teenager after he decided he wants to leave United.

That level of interest has now been matched by a clear development strategy. 

Rather than rushing Gabriel into the senior squad, Madrid would initially place him with Castilla, where he could adapt to Spanish football and continue his progression.

Manchester United still hope to keep Gabriel

Manchester United, on their part, have not given up on the possibility of repairing the situation.

Real Madrid are among a number of teams looking to sign JJ Gabriel. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

There is a belief within the club that Gabriel could eventually agree to return, while officials remain hopeful that the dispute can be resolved.

The teenager’s representatives have not publicly outlined the precise reasons behind the desire to leave, and United insist they do not know exactly what has prompted the stance.

That uncertainty has not stopped Real Madrid from pursuing the opportunity.

With Gabriel approaching the next stage of his development, the coming months could determine whether one of English football’s most highly regarded young talents remains at Old Trafford or begins a new chapter at Real Madrid.