Real Madrid have offered Manchester United's JJ Gabriel, 16, a multi-year deal aimed at a January move, the Guardian reports. United may consider legal action.
The Guardian reports that Real Madrid are closing in on Manchester United's 16-year-old forward JJ Gabriel, with United prepared to consider legal action if they believe rules have been broken. It is an unconfirmed report: the Guardian's wording leans on what "is understood", and it includes no club statement from either side.
What is reported
According to the Guardian, "Madrid have offered the 16‑year‑old forward a multi‑year contract and, subject to final talks, hope to bring him to the Bernabéu in January." The route is said to be a Fifa loophole for EU clubs signing young players on professional contracts, which needs an EU passport. The Guardian says Gabriel is eligible to get one through both his parents.
Fifa would have to sign it off, and a compensation fee would be due to United whichever club he joined.
Others go further. BBC Sport, as we reported earlier, says there is a verbal agreement with the player and his representatives. Football Insider says he has verbally accepted an offer and puts the compensation at an expected six-figure sum.
United's position
The Guardian says United "will consider legal action if the club believe any rules have been broken". It adds that the club have yet to be contacted by the player's camp or Real Madrid about the move. TEAMtalk, citing a well-placed source, says the January plan appears to be news to United.
United reportedly not being contacted about the move is not the same as denying the reported agreement. The reports include no comment from Real Madrid.
What is not known
The Guardian says Gabriel walked out on United in September and is believed to be training in Spain. He is registered with the academy until the end of the season. The Daily Mail says his camp asked in September to tear up that contract and United refused immediately.
The reports leave several gaps:
- What legal action United are considering, and against whom.
- The length and salary of the contract Madrid have offered.
- The exact compensation figure.
- Whether Fifa approves.
- Which passport he holds. The Guardian says he is "eligible to acquire" one, while Football Insider says he has already secured it.
A verbal agreement is not a completed transfer: Fifa still has to sign off.
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Sources
Meanwhile at the desk
The Guardian says the route runs through Castilla in the Spanish third tier. A hat-trick on a Youth League debut explains why anyone would pay for that detour.
Football Insider expects a six-figure cheque, with a potential legal fight attached. United may care more about the precedent than the payday.
Follow the story
- Real Madrid reach verbal agreement with JJ Gabriel, BBC reports
- · You are hereReal Madrid closing in on Manchester United's JJ Gabriel, report says
