Manchester United’s JJ Gabriel says Ballon d’Or is his dream
The teenager has trained alone in Spain after leaving United, and has reportedly agreed a verbal deal with Real Madrid.
Key points
- JJ Gabriel, 16, is still registered with Manchester United
- He has trained on his own in Spain after leaving the club with his family
- A verbal agreement with Real Madrid is reported, but nothing has been signed
- United could receive compensation, which would be lower if he joins a non-Premier League club
- He holds an EU passport through his mother, which may limit United's ability to block a move
Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel has spoken of his ambition to one day claim the Ballon d’Or, at a time when he is reportedly nearing a switch to Real Madrid, according to BBC Sport. The 16-year-old remains registered with United. However, he has been preparing by himself in Spain after leaving the English club and moving there with his family.
BBC Sport reports that Gabriel has reached a verbal understanding with the Spanish club. No contract has been signed so far, so the move cannot yet be treated as confirmed.
Read also: Real Madrid Lead Race for Manchester United Teenager JJ Gabriel
A newspaper encounter in Spain
On Friday, after one of his training sessions, Gabriel was approached by staff from the Spanish outlet Marca. They gave him a copy of their paper, which ran a front-page article about his expected move to the Madrid club. The newspaper said he answered in English, telling them that winning the Ballon d’Or was his goal.
BBC Sport adds that the two clubs have not yet held formal talks about a transfer. Its sources nevertheless say Real Madrid have agreed terms verbally with the player and his representatives.
Compensation and registration rules
If Gabriel leaves, United would be entitled to compensation. That amount would drop if he joins a team outside the Premier League. BBC Sport notes that the club holds his domestic registration, but this is not believed to be enough to stop an overseas move.
The main reason is his European Union passport. He holds it through his mother, who has Cypriot origins. The source reports suggest this status gives him more freedom to relocate than his English registration alone would allow.
Both clubs compete in the Uefa Youth League this season. Competition rules, though, prevent any player from representing two different clubs within one campaign. Gabriel’s most recent appearance for United was in September, when he scored a hat-trick against Sabah.
A young player with a strong record
Last season Gabriel was crowned the Premier League’s Under-18 player of the season. He achieved this even though he was only 14 when the campaign began. His rise has made him one of the most closely watched teenagers in English football.
The case shows how a player’s nationality can shape a transfer, even when a club still holds his registration at home. It also shows how quickly a young player’s future can become a subject of international attention.
What is still unconfirmed
No signed deal has been announced, and the agreement between Gabriel and Real Madrid remains verbal. The sources do not give a figure for any compensation. Until a contract is signed and the clubs reach an arrangement, the outcome remains open.
Related: Rafael Nadal poised for seat on Real Madrid board
Frequently asked questions
Has JJ Gabriel signed for Real Madrid?
No. According to BBC Sport, Real Madrid and Gabriel have reached a verbal agreement, but no deal has been signed yet.
Is Manchester United owed money if Gabriel leaves?
Yes, United would be due compensation if he leaves. The figure would be lower if he joins a club outside the Premier League, BBC Sport reports.
Why could Gabriel move despite being registered with United?
He holds an EU passport through his mother, who has Cypriot origin. BBC Sport reports Unitedu0026#039;s domestic registration is not thought to be enough to stop an overseas move.
Sources
- BBC Sport: My dream is to win Ballon d'Or – Gabriel
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
