JJ Gabriel is to join Real Madrid next month after informing Manchester United of his desire to leave, a source has told 101 Great Goals. News emerged on Tuesday of the 15-year-olds decision to request his contract at Old Trafford is cancelled with immediate effect. It is believed he has opted to leave United after having his head turned by an approach from Madrid.The Premier League club are not obliged to accept the request indeed, they have to sanction his departure in order for the move to proceed.But Uniteds hands are tied to a certain extent. They cannot sign Gabriel on professional terms until he is 17 years of age and cannot even tie him down on a scholarship until he is 16. HIs 16th birthday is on October 6.That has opened the door for Madrid to make their move and exploit a loophole that means they can sign players between 16 and 18 from a fellow European Union country. Gabriel holds an Irish passport, making him eligible.The shock development will come as a huge blow to United, who saw Gabriel as the crown jewel in their youth set-up. The supremely gifted attacker, who can play across the front three, made his first appearance for the Under-18 side aged 14 and went on to score more than 20 goals last season.He had been expected to make his first-team debut this season and was thought to be in contention to play in Wednesday nights EFL Cup third-round tie against Brighton.However, with talks with Madrid accelerating over the past week, that is not now a possibility.Instead, London-born Gabriel, whose full name is Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, will move to Spain and further his development at Madrids training complex Valdebebas.Table of ContentsManchester United fail to follow Arsenals leadGiggs hails Gabriel as a generational talentManchester United fail to follow Arsenals leadIt is not known what has prompted Gabriels desire to pursue a deal with Madrid but a lack of clarity around his prospects at United may be one possible reason.Gabriel has trained with the senior squad and the Under-21s at various points this season but was not included in the clubs A list for the Champions League, denying him the chance to make an appearance in European competition.Gabriel was therefore ineligible to play against Azerbaijani minnows Sabah last week. Instead he played against the same club in the UEFA Youth League, scoring a brilliant hat-trick in a one-sided win.He deleted all mentions of United on his social media accounts after that game.Uniteds treatment of Gabriel is in stark contrast to how Arsenal have looked after Max Dowman.Dowman was 15 when he played for Arsenal in their 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague last season. The winger has also played Premier League football and made significant contributions at various points last season as the Gunners secured the title.Giggs hails Gabriel as a generational talentGabriels reputation has spiralled after he joined United as an 11-year-old.Ryan Giggs, who went from precocious teenager to 13-time Premier League winner under Sir Alex Ferguson, spoke about the attacker in glowing termsin a podcast with Rio Ferdinand last week.Giggs said: Hes sort of a generational talent. Theres no point in going out on loan because hes at the best place and hed be dipping in and out of the first team. So that experience is invaluable. You know, not only the games and the training, but actually travelling with the team, seeing the expectation of Manchester United, youre seeing all sort of, the focus is so huge on United. You need to get used to that.Manchester City tried to lure Gabriel across town last summer but the player opted to remain at United. But the appeal of Madrid has prompted a change of heart. Topics JJ Gabriel Manchester United F. C. Real Madrid CF Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read BREAKING: JJ Gabriel stuns Manchester United by asking for Old Trafford exit Jon Fisher 15th September, 2026 Elche v Real Madrid: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Ben Miller 15th September, 2026 Rodri reveals Mourinho phone call after joining Barcelona Mitch Fretton 15th September, 2026 Mourinho claims he is tired of press conferences and reveals reason for Diomandes lack of minutes Mitch Fretton 14th September, 2026 Man United v Man City: Preview, expected line-ups and stats Nicholas McGee 13th September, 2026 Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano as it happened: Updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 12th September, 2026
