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The JJ Gabriel story took another turn after the teenage sensation reportedly rejected an approach from Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Real Madrid as the clear frontrunners to secure Manchester United's unhappy prodigy.
You may not have heard of him or watched him in action, but the 2010-born Gabriel is widely considered a future superstar. Manchester United believed they had one of the most thrilling young talents in the world developing within their academy, but back in September, Gabriel and his representatives formally requested that the Red Devils release him from his contract.
"Broken promises" surrounding first-team opportunities, along with tensions between the 16-year-old's family and the club, reportedly triggered the request. While United offered him a scholarship contract that blocks Gabriel from departing on a free transfer, his future seems set to lie beyond Old Trafford.
Some of the world's elite clubs were immediately linked with last season's U-18 Premier League Player of the Year. As a bidding war began to take shape, Real Madrid appeared to be the favorites to secure Gabriel right from the outset.
Reports emerged this week that have many believing Gabriel's arrival at the Bernabéu is only a matter of time.
JJ Gabriel Reportedly Turns Down PSG Move
Despite Real Madrid leading the chase for Gabriel, SPORT reports that PSG had not abandoned their pursuit and submitted a fresh proposal to the player's representatives featuring improved financial and sporting conditions.
Luis Enrique has consistently given young players opportunities during his time in Paris, particularly over the past two seasons as he rotates his squad to keep key players sharp for the business end of the campaign. Former Barcelona youngster Dro Fernández, for instance, has already racked up 21 appearances for PSG since arriving at the club in January.
Nevertheless, the report suggests Gabriel and his team have turned down the chance to join the reigning back-to-back Champions League holders. The teenager is reportedly unconvinced that a switch from the Premier League to Ligue 1 would benefit his development. He is said to prefer a move to Spain instead.
Both Bayern Munich and Barcelona also appear to have dropped out of contention for Gabriel, leaving the youngster with a clear path to the Spanish capital and the 15-time European champions.
Los Blancos are reportedly prepared to satisfy Gabriel's requirements, and a deal could be finalized as soon as one remaining obstacle is resolved.
What Must Happen for JJ Gabriel to Join Real Madrid
The only apparent barrier standing between Gabriel and a move to Real Madrid is securing a valid European Union (EU) passport.
Gabriel was born and raised in England to an Irish father, but he is currently pursuing a Cypriot passport through his mother's lineage, which would enable him to complete a transfer to any EU member state, including Spain.
Once Gabriel turned 16 on Oct. 6, he became eligible to sign a professional contract with any club under FIFA's rules governing minors and international transfers.
Should Gabriel complete a move to Real Madrid, United could stand to receive somewhere between £200,000 and £300,000 ($265,000–$397,000) under FIFA's training compensation regulations — a mere fraction of what Gabriel's eventual market value could reach. Consequently, Sky Sports reported that the Red Devils may consider pursuing legal action if Gabriel moves to another European club.
No agreement has been finalized yet and the situation could drag on through the winter, but it is increasingly looking as though Real Madrid will add one of football's most promising young talents to their squad.