According to Spanish media outlet AS, 16-year-old JJ Gabriel, who probably will leave Manchester United, has become a target for Real Madrid, Barcelona, and other clubs, with English sources reporting that Real Madrid is currently leading the race.
The Clásico rivalry extends far beyond matches on the pitch—it plays out in boardrooms and executive offices, particularly at Camp Nou. This competition continues year-round, manifesting almost daily in the offices of both clubs as they pursue signings of players across all age groups. Last summer's transfer window exemplified this intensity, beginning with Bernardo Silva's transfer. After Barcelona and Atlético Madrid expressed interest, Real Madrid moved decisively to secure him.
Then came the Rodri case; his move initially seemed destined for Real Madrid, but he ultimately signed with Barcelona.
Now, a 16-year-old with a Brazilian name, born in England, has become the subject of contention: JJ Gabriel. Last summer's experience again demonstrated that only a signed contract confirms a player's transfer. Three high-profile cases shaped the recent transfer market landscape.
Bernardo Silva was first; when his future appeared destined for Barcelona or Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid orchestrated a reversal and completed the signing. Cucurella's situation was similar; expected to join Barcelona or Atlético Madrid, he now plays regularly at the Bernabéu. Rodri presented the opposite scenario; despite expectations he would join Real Madrid at Valdebebas, he ultimately accepted Barcelona's offer. The current battle involves a teenager who recently turned 16.
Although uncertainty remains, he has already sparked a bidding war between these two giants, with Real Madrid currently in the lead. Paris Saint-Germain has also entered the competition. While all parties emphasize team philosophy and historical significance, financial considerations will play a decisive role.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are among the world's most prestigious clubs. The player's agent and family are working to secure him a new home and conclude his Manchester United chapter. No final decision has been made, and questions about this academy player's future persist. Meanwhile, the player, who holds a Cypriot passport, continues to train individually in Castelldefels, in the Barcelona province.
Real Madrid has maintained communication with Manchester United's management, both to preserve relations with a respected club and to acknowledge that the player is unilaterally terminating his contract with the English team. According to regulations, he can sign with any club starting January 1, 2027.
Real Madrid views Paris Saint-Germain as their main competition in this pursuit, not Barcelona. Recent reports from England indicate that Real Madrid holds pole position to sign the player. Gabriel has demonstrated his goal-scoring ability and technical quality in youth competition, netting 3 goals in his sole youth league appearance, though these performances did not secure him a first-team place—reportedly the player's requirement.
The JJ Gabriel saga will neither be the first nor the last transfer battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid, given their current lack of cooperation. Both clubs have done their groundwork, but this multi-million-euro deal ultimately hinges on the player's decision, and current indicators favor Real Madrid.