Real Madrid youth target no longer training with Manchester United as transfer interest intensifies | OneFootball

Real Madrid target JJ Gabriel has been left out of Manchester United’s Premier League 2 squad for Friday’s meeting with Brentford, adding another twist to the increasingly uncertain situation surrounding the 15-year-old.

According to BBC Sport, Gabriel is no longer training with Manchester United’s academy and will not feature against Brentford. 

The development comes just days after Gabriel’s situation at United became a major talking point in England, with the youngster having formally requested a move away from the club.

Gabriel’s Manchester United situation takes another turn

Gabriel’s week has been extraordinary. He scored a hat-trick on his Youth League debut before being included in Michael Carrick’s squad for Manchester United’s Carabao Cup fixture against Brighton.

JJ Gabriel is no longer training with Manchester United. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

He was subsequently left out of Carrick’s plans the following day, and the situation has now moved further away from normal academy proceedings.

BBC Sport reported, “The striker is no longer training with the club, and although sources at Manchester United believe the situation can be resolved, sources close to JJ Gabriel have a different opinion and don’t think he will play for the club again. JJ Gabriel’s exact whereabouts are unknown.”

That contrast between the club’s position and the view of people close to Gabriel has left the teenager’s immediate future unclear.

Real Madrid watching as Gabriel remains unavailable

Real Madrid have been closely monitoring Gabriel for some time, and the latest developments are certain to increase attention around the English prospect.

Real Madrid have received a massive boost in JJ Gabriel’s pursuit. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

His rapid rise has already attracted interest from several major European clubs, but Real Madrid’s interest has become particularly relevant given the possibility that Gabriel could leave United’s academy.

The player’s age creates an obvious complication, as Gabriel is only 15, meaning any potential move has to take into account the regulations governing the transfer of minors and the specific rules of English football.

There is nevertheless a legal route that could potentially help Real Madrid pursue the teenager, keeping the possibility of a future move alive despite the regulatory hurdles.

For now, the immediate issue is Gabriel’s status at Manchester United. Missing another competitive fixture and no longer training with the academy proves that there is no turning back, and Real Madrid are expected to strike when the time is right.