Real Madrid are reportedly growing confident of signing Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel, with the Spanish giants hoping to beat Barcelona to the highly rated teenager ahead of the January 2027 transfer window.
The 16-year-old is considered one of the most promising talents to emerge from Manchester United’s academy in recent years and is reportedly keen to leave Old Trafford.
According to journalist Ramon Alvarez, optimism is growing at Real Madrid as the club continues to work to secure Gabriel’s signature.
Madrid reportedly believe the youngster could obtain an Irish or Cypriot passport, a key factor in overcoming the administrative hurdles to a potential move to a European club.
Gabriel is said to have made several demands of Manchester United, including assurances of first-team playing time and a lucrative contract.
However, the Premier League club reportedly rejected those requests, increasing expectations that the teenager could leave when the winter transfer window opens in January 2027.
Barcelona remain interested in signing Gabriel and have been competing directly with Real Madrid for his services.
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also reportedly monitored the situation, although the youngster is said to favor a move to Spain.
Madrid’s growing confidence could therefore represent a significant setback for Barcelona’s efforts to secure the promising forward.
Manchester United are reportedly set to receive about £350,000 in compensation if Gabriel leaves the club.
The relatively modest figure would make the potential signing a low-cost investment for his next club, especially given expectations for his long-term development and future potential.
Despite Real Madrid’s reported optimism, no agreement has been officially confirmed, and Barcelona remain in contention.
With several months still to pass before the January window, the situation could change as negotiations and administrative arrangements continue. Gabriel and his family will ultimately have a decisive role in determining his next destination.
If Madrid complete the move, Gabriel’s arrival would add another highly rated young prospect to the club’s long-term plans while dealing a blow to both Manchester United and Barcelona.
For now, however, the reported preference for the Spanish capital remains unconfirmed, and the transfer race is still open ahead of the winter window.
