Real Madrid are edging closer to winning the race to sign Manchester United’s JJ Gabriel, beating European giants including Barcelona, according to sources.
Madrid believed they were in a favorable position from the beginning of the pursuit, and in recent hours their optimism has grown. Gabriel, who is 16, had been training in Barcelona for weeks with a personal trainer while he waited to resolve his future. He is now in Madrid.
Gabriel’s request to leave United
Reports in September said that Gabriel and his representatives had asked to leave United. The Premier League club insisted at the time that it would not facilitate his departure. Madrid, Barcelona and other major clubs were paying close attention to the situation.
Sources say United believe representatives of Gabriel held at least one meeting with an unnamed club last summer without the club’s knowledge. United will consider legal action if they determine that illegal approaches were made while Gabriel was under contract at Old Trafford.
Madrid’s plan for the teenager
Madrid intensified their negotiations when Gabriel turned 16 on Oct. 6, and everything is now on track for him to sign with the club, according to sources. Madrid’s plan is for him to join Castilla, their second team, while he would also play in the UEFA Youth League.