According to a report by GOAL on November 4, 2026, Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Manchester United academy prospect JJ Gabriel after the 16-year-old submitted a transfer request amid concerns over his playing opportunities at Old Trafford.

The Spanish giants have reportedly beaten several European clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, to secure the highly rated youngster's signature. Premier League rivals Chelsea were also interested in signing Gabriel, but a move to another English club presented additional regulatory challenges.

Gabriel, who celebrated his 16th birthday in October, has already started training in Madrid while waiting for FIFA to approve his departure from Manchester United.

The teenager's decision to leave follows a disagreement over his development and playing time at Carrington. He reportedly stopped attending the club's training ground after walking out ahead of Manchester United's Carabao Cup fixture against Brighton on September 16.

His representatives had allegedly asked the club to guarantee him at least 20 minutes of action across matches against Sabah FK, Brighton and Bournemouth before discussing a scholarship agreement.

However, United were unable to resolve the disagreement, with Gabriel's family remaining determined to pursue a move abroad despite attempts by the club's officials to repair the relationship.

The youngster's Irish passport is also understood to have made a move to Spain possible under the relevant transfer regulations. However, the switch still requires FIFA approval, alongside confirmation of the compensation Manchester United will receive.

Previous reports from talkSPORT suggested that the compensation could be as low as £300,000, although the final arrangements have yet to be formally confirmed.

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has also admitted that Gabriel's departure did not come as a surprise to him, having followed the youngster's development 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."

The former England international added that there had been a desire for the teenager to explore opportunities abroad, particularly in Spain, while stressing that the youngster was still only 15 when the situation first attracted attention.

Gabriel is expected to continue training in Madrid while awaiting the necessary clearance to complete his move. His departure would represent a significant loss for Manchester United, who will now have to focus on protecting other promising talents within their academy.