JJ Gabriel is set to leave Manchester United after reaching an agreement with a "new team," disappointing several clubs.
On 4 Nov 2026 GMT+7, BBC Sport and The Athletic, two leading UK sports media outlets, reported that JJ Gabriel, Manchester United's highly talented young forward, is preparing to bid farewell to the Premier League club soon.
Sources stated that Spanish La Liga giant Real Madrid is close to securing JJ Gabriel from Manchester United after reaching a verbal agreement with the player.
Although the 16-year-old remains officially registered with Manchester United, he has not returned to the club since deciding to leave in September.
JJ Gabriel, who played against Atlético Madrid during Manchester United's pre-season tour, was expected to make history as the youngest player to debut for the club in the Carabao Cup match versus Brighton in September.
However, he chose to seek professional playing opportunities elsewhere and is currently training alone in Spain.
His situation has attracted interest from several European clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, but Real Madrid is now expected to sign the young talent in January.
A source told BBC Sport that although no official club-to-club talks have taken place, Real Madrid has already reached a verbal agreement with JJ Gabriel and his representatives.
JJ Gabriel, who scored a hat-trick in his first UEFA Youth League appearance, holds a European Union passport, which is expected to ease his transfer to clubs outside England.
Manchester United will receive compensation if Gabriel transfers, with the amount decreasing if he moves to a club outside the Premier League.
Gabriel previously won the Premier League U18 Player of the Season award last year, despite being only 14 at the time.