Real Madrid is on the verge of securing 16-year-old English talent JJ Gabriel, involving several of Europe’s most prominent clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Chelsea, and FC Barcelona all inquired about the player’s situation, but Real won the battle of giants.
Gabriel has already arrived in Madrid, where he lives, works with an individual trainer, and trains twice a day. When asked by a journalist why Real is better than Barcelona, the player responded, Oczywiście Real
(Of course Real). His father and former professional footballer, Joe O’Cearuill, laughed and confirmed his words.
🚨⏳ BREAKING | Understand JJ Gabriel has reached a verbal agreement in principle with Real Madrid. As reported, Real were the favourites. The transfer is now being pushed towards completion. Nothing has been signed yet. That’s why Barcelona, FC Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain… pic.twitter.com/Dizrx79kRr
The Rise of a Record-Breaking Prospect
Gabriel debuted in the U-18 team as a 14-year-old against Leeds, scoring two goals to become the youngest player in the club’s history to appear for that squad. He later finished a season with 26 goals in 29 matches and earned the player of the tournament award for the Premier League U-18. In 2026, he debuted in the UEFA Youth League against Sabah and scored a hat-trick. Ruben Amorim invited him to train with the senior squad, and Michael Carrick gave him minutes in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm. However, the lack of a realistic prospect for regular entry into the first team reportedly contributed to his decision to leave. Before arriving at Manchester United in 2022, he passed through the academies of Chelsea, Arsenal, and West Ham.
Manchester United Receives Training Compensation While Awaiting Official Confirmation
Manchester United will receive roughly £300,000 in training compensation for a player whose potential future value is estimated at over €100 million. Gabriel formally requested permission to leave United and took further steps after turning 16. Registration will be possible in January, and his Irish passport is essential for meeting FIFA's rules for minors moving within Europe.
Though reports indicate an agreement or verbal understanding, official confirmation remains pending.
Agent Ali Barat Finalizes Terms with Real Madrid
Before his time in Manchester, Gabriel became an internet phenomenon at age 11 due to his unusual technique. He already signed a lucrative sponsorship contract with Nike at age 14. His agent is Ali Barat, founder of Epic Sports, who is working on finding a place to live for the player and his family while finalizing terms with Real Madrid.
Earlier coverage: Real Madrid set to sign JJ Gabriel from Manchester United
🚨 Real Madrid are close to completing the signing of 16-year-old Manchester United talent JJ Gabriel. Madrid have beaten competition from PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona for the English attacker. The deal is awaiting signatures and an official… pic.twitter.com/fD6X0SYz12
