It is very likely that JJ Gabriel will play in Spain

The 15-year-old player maintains his intention to leave Manchester United

Mario Roldán Martínez | 23 Sep 2026 | 18.00
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JJ Gabriel, player of Manchester United / Getty Images
JJ Gabriel, player of Manchester United / Getty Images

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JJ Gabriel, a 15-year-old forward from Manchester United, is aiming for Spanish football after communicating his intention to leave the English club. Wayne Rooney considers it likely that he will end up in Spain, while the Real Madrid and Barcelona are closely monitoring an operation that still needs to overcome restrictions for underage players.

JJ Gabriel and the interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona

Gabriel has requested to leave Manchester United and cancel his registration with the club to become available, as he has not been part of Michael Carrick's first-team plans. The striker is still linked to United until the end of the season, although his surroundings are already working on a possible exit.

This situation has sparked the interest of Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are in talks for the player according to Sky Sports. Gabriel and his family were in Barcelona last week, while the two Spanish clubs were progressing in their respective dealings.

JJ Gabriel's performance explains the interest. In the 2025/26 season, he scored 23 goals in 23 matches in the Premier League Sub-18, also receiving the award for the best player in the competition. He also netted a hat-trick in the Youth League against Sabah on September 10.

The sports file is complicated by his age. Gabriel turns 16 on October 6, a significant date for any international operation, although FIFA rules on minor transfers and post-Brexit regulations require studying each case specifically.

Wayne Rooney places JJ Gabriel in Spain

Roney addressed JJ Gabriel's future in the latest episode of Stick to United. The former Manchester United player explained that the possibility of a move to Spain had been known for some time among those close to the player's development.

The Englishman also mentioned that United had tried to keep Gabriel within their academy through personalized treatment. Rooney recalled his own training time at Everton to explain that clubs usually offer specific conditions to their talents when trying to retain them.

The stance of the former striker aligns with the current scenario managed by Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Guardian places the Madrid team among the main candidates, while Sky Sports confirms that both Spanish clubs are in talks for Gabriel. Bayern Munich and PSG have also shown interest.

The next significant date will be October 6, when JJ Gabriel turns 16. Until then, Real Madrid and Barcelona will have to assess the legal fit of the operation and the conditions for his incorporation, while Manchester United keeps the possibility open to persuade the player to stay in England.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "Es muy probable que JJ Gabriel juegue en España"