According to reports by GOAL on Wednesday November 4, 2026, Real Madrid have won the race to sign Manchester United academy sensation JJ Gabriel after beating competition from Barcelona, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 16-year-old attacking prospect has reportedly started training in the Spanish capital while awaiting the formal approval of his departure from Old Trafford.

The development represents a major setback for Manchester United, who had made several attempts to convince the youngster and his family to remain at Carrington. However, their efforts have not produced the desired outcome, with Gabriel's representatives determined to secure a move away from the Premier League club.

According to talkSPORT, Real Madrid have moved ahead of their European rivals in the pursuit of the highly rated teenager. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and PSG were also monitoring his situation, while Chelsea showed interest in keeping him in England.

Gabriel's departure follows a disagreement over his development and opportunities to feature in Manchester United's first team.

The youngster reportedly walked away from the club's training ground ahead of their Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton on September 16. He had been expected to make his senior debut in that fixture, but his representatives allegedly wanted assurances about his playing opportunities before agreeing to a scholarship deal.

The report claimed they wanted him to receive at least 20 minutes across matches against Sabah FK, Brighton and Bournemouth before discussing the proposed scholarship arrangement.

Manchester United subsequently made repeated efforts to repair the relationship, but the player's family remained determined to explore opportunities elsewhere.

Having celebrated his 16th birthday in October, Gabriel is now eligible to move abroad under the circumstances described in the report. His Irish passport is also understood to be relevant to the proposed transfer, although the move still requires FIFA approval and confirmation of compensation for Manchester United.

Previous talkSPORT reporting suggested that United's compensation could be as low as £300,000.

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney had previously expressed little surprise about the possibility of Gabriel leaving the club, having watched him develop through the academy alongside his son, Kai.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Rooney said: “With the JJ situation, I've seen him growing up, he's been in [my son] Kai's team, and I think, if I'm being honest, everyone has seen it coming.”

He also acknowledged the possibility of the teenager wanting to continue his career abroad, particularly in Spain.

“There's been a desire to maybe play abroad, maybe in Spain. We have to remember he's 15, he's still a kid. That's a lot of pressure and you hope that the decisions are being made for the right reasons,” Rooney added.