Real Madrid move ahead of Barcelona in race for unsettled Man United starlet – report | OneFootball

JJ Gabriel’s future has become one of the most talked-about discussions in the transfer market right now, with the English supertalent recently handing in a transfer request at Manchester United.

Regarded as one of the most gifted players in England, the 15-year-old is ready to leave Man United after a breakdown of relations between the club and his family.

Barcelona are among the clubs interested in the services of Gabriel, but face stiff competition from rivals Real Madrid as well as other European giants.

Real Madrid already working on a deal

According to The Athletic, while Barcelona are in contention, Real Madrid have already started working on a deal to sign the Man United prodigy.

Indeed, Los Blancos have taken the first steps in the battle for his signing, moving slightly ahead of their competitors, including Barcelona. And they are understood to be confident of closing the deal for the 15-year-old gem.

JJ Gabriel wants to leave Man United. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The situation escalated after Gabriel informed United of his desire to leave, submitting a letter of de-registration.

The Premier League club have no intention of granting that request, acknowledging his exceptional talent and doing everything possible to keep him.

Although his contract runs until next summer, he could technically move abroad on his 16th birthday in October should he obtain an Irish or Cypriot passport, both of which are within reach through his parents, thanks to post-Brexit regulations.

Real Madrid have already stepped up their pursuit and scouted him closely, admiring the hat-trick he scored in United’s recent 5-0 Youth League win over Sabah.

The move would also fit Real Madrid’s aggressive youth-investment strategy, having signed the likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Endrick as teenagers.

Why Barcelona must go all out

Can Barcelona pip Real Madrid in the race to sign JJ Gabriel? (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

For Barcelona, allowing a talent of Gabriel’s calibre to join their fiercest rivals would be a bitter pill to swallow, which is precisely why they must go all out to land him.

The Catalans have built their identity around nurturing young talent through La Masia, and adding one of Europe’s most coveted prospects would only strengthen that pipeline.

The club currently lack the services of a proper number nine, having missed out on Julian Alvarez. Having a talented centre forward like JJ Gabriel in their ranks, could be a major boon.

Although Gabriel will only be a long-term project, Barcelona have shown in the past that their youth players are capable of jumping on to first-team action, as evident in the breakthroughs made by the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Xavi Espart.

But with the club facing competition from several elite sides, decisive action will be essential.

Should Barcelona hesitate, they risk watching a potential generational talent slip through their fingers and into the hands of a direct rival.