Real Madrid Target Man Utd Wonderkid JJ Gabriel but Martin Odegaard's Failed Move Raises Concerns!
Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel after he requested to leave Old Trafford. The 15-year-old has secured an EU passport, allowing a move to mainland Europe.
Madrid hope to avoid repeating Martin Odegaard's experience, when limited first-team opportunities and tensions during training preceded his departure to Arsenal in 2021. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and PSG also showed interest.
For the future of Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel, Real Madrid are emerging as the leading contenders to secure his signature following his decision to leave Old Trafford. The teenager has been absent from Carrington since his representatives requested the cancellation of his registration, although United rejected the demand. His recently secured European Union passport has now made a move to mainland Europe possible.
Real Madrid face competition from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, but their interest has raised comparisons with Martin Odegaard's transfer to the Spanish club at just 15. Odegaard struggled to establish himself at Madrid, making only 11 first-team appearances before several loan spells. He eventually joined Arsenal in 2021 and went on to become a title-winner. Spanish journalist Guillem Balague believes Madrid want to avoid repeating those mistakes.
He suggested the club may offer Gabriel a first-team contract while allowing him to train with the reserve side, rather than isolating him from his age-group teammates. Odegaard reportedly faced tension during training because some young players refused to pass him the ball. United still retain Gabriel's registration, despite having received no recent response from his family. The youngster had been close to becoming the club's youngest first-team player against Brighton, but his family reportedly disagreed with his development plan and wanted him to feature in several senior competitions.