Jude Bellingham has reportedly helped Real Madrid sign JJ Gabriel, who is set to join the Spanish giants from Manchester United in 2027.

Gabriel, 16, has informed Man Utd of his desire to leave the club with immediate effect and while the Red Devils were previously optimistic of retaining the teenager, an exit is now close to being finalised.

The likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have all explored a possible transfer for Gabriel, however Real Madrid have been regarded as the frontrunners for several weeks and it’s understood that his proposed move to Jose Mourinho’s side will be announced shortly.

Gabriel hasn’t trained with his Man Utd team-mates for close to two months and his last appearance for the club came during their 5-0 win over Sabah in the UEFA Youth League on 10 September - a match in which the 16-year-old scored a hat-trick.

The England youth international has been doing individual work with a skills coach in recent weeks, amid his Man Utd hiatus, and rumours indicate that a verbal agreement has been reached with Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk now claim that Bellingham has played a role in the imminent transfer.

Jude Bellingham helps Real Madrid complete JJ Gabriel signing

Bellingham, a graduate of Birmingham City’s academy, has established himself as one of the best players in world football since his arrival at Real Madrid in 2023 and it’s reported that his camp recommended the move to Gabriel.

This is believed to have played a crucial role in Gabriel’s decision to prioritise a transfer to the Bernabeu, with the Real Madrid hierarchy hoping to announce his arrival in January.

Gabriel is unlikely to immediately join Los Blancos’ first-team squad, given the attacking riches at Mourinho’s disposal, and it’s understood that he will progress through the club’s famed Castilla academy before being handed an opportunity in the senior side.

The Man Utd wonderkid scored 23 goals in 23 games in the U18 Premier League last season and he was in line to make his first-team debut for the Red Devils this term before confirming his wish to leave.

Gabriel will become the first Man Utd player to join Real Madrid on a permanent deal since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 when his move to Los Blancos is officially announced.