Real Madrid believe they can beat Barcelona to JJ Gabriel

Real Madrid are confident they can beat Barcelona to the signing of JJ Gabriel, the young English talent at Manchester United. The contest for his signature is reportedly entering a decisive phase, with optimism growing in Madrid about the possibility of completing a deal. The club believe their work with the player and the prospect of an Irish or Cypriot passport could improve their chances, journalist Ramón Álvarez reports. The nationality issue is a major obstacle to Gabriel moving to a European club, so progress on it would bring a transfer closer to completion.

Aged 16, Gabriel is regarded as one of the most promising young talents to have come through Manchester United’s academy in recent years. He has expressed a desire to leave « Old Trafford ». He had also sought assurances of first-team playing time and a lucrative contract, demands the English club rejected.

Barcelona remain in contention despite the development being a setback to their hopes. The Catalan club had been competing with Real Madrid, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain had also monitored the situation. Gabriel later showed a preference for a move to Spain. Manchester United expect to receive around £350,000 in training compensation.

No final decision has been made. Barcelona remain in the running, and the January transfer window is still some way off. The choice rests with Gabriel and his family; the latest information suggests he is leaning towards the club from the Spanish capital.