Barcelona and Real Madrid Lead Race for JJ Gabriel

Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly leading the race to sign Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel, with the teenager’s potential overall package expected to cost more than €10 million to €15 million.

According to Sky Sport reporter Florian Plettenberg, both Spanish giants currently have the best position in the race for the 16-year-old, while Bayern Munich have held fresh talks with his representatives. Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the situation.

The reported €10m–€15m+ figure should not be viewed as a transfer fee. It is understood to include potential salary, bonuses and a signing-on fee, meaning Manchester United may not receive anything close to that amount if Gabriel eventually leaves the club.

Gabriel turned 16 on October 6 and has already told United that he wants to leave. His future became uncertain in September when his camp formally requested the cancellation of his registration.

United have since offered him a scholarship contract for next season, but the teenager is still expected to leave. The Guardian reports that if Gabriel moves to another English club, United could potentially receive more than £3m through compensation. However, an overseas move could leave the club with only around £350,000 in FIFA training compensation.

One of the biggest factors is Gabriel's eligibility for an EU passport. Sky Sport reported that he intends to obtain a Cypriot passport through his family background, potentially allowing him to move to an EU club before turning 18. A January move has therefore been discussed, although no transfer has been agreed.

Real Madrid have previously been reported as leading the race, while Barcelona have also remained strongly linked despite sporting director Deco publicly distancing the club from the teenager earlier in the saga.

For United, the situation could become a major academy headache. They developed Gabriel from the age of 11, but could now lose one of their most highly rated young players for a fraction of his potential future value.

With Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern and PSG all circling, where should JJ Gabriel continue his development?