Published 5 hours ago • loading... • Updated 2 hours ago
JJ Gabriel: Manchester United forward says 'my dream is to win Ballon d'Or'
Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel has reached a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid, with the 16-year-old expected to finalize the move in January.
Gabriel requested to leave Manchester United in September and has remained away, with his camp reportedly dissatisfied regarding his senior team integration at the club.
Gabriel's Irish passport grants European Union eligibility under FIFA regulations, enabling the transfer; he plans to develop with Real Madrid's reserve side, Castilla.
During a Friday interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, Gabriel confirmed his preference for Real Madrid over Barcelona, responding: "Obviously, Madrid."
Manchester United could receive around £350,000 in compensation if the deal completes, though club legend Ryan Giggs cautioned the youngster to "bide your time.
JJ Gabriel, a young 16-year-old English promise, is in Madrid preparing for the change from Manchester United to Real Madrid and has already taken on the ambition to reach the top of world football
JJ Gabriel is about to sign for Real Madrid, but it's probably not just a story about Manchester United's wretchedness.
It may say more about what football's child stars think they deserve, and how their reality has changed.