Florentino Perez steps in on the JJ Gabriel story as Real Madrid takes a big lead over Barcelona.
Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, is now getting involved in the club’s effort to sign Manchester United’s young star JJ Gabriel. The 15-year-old, whose full name is Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, recently asked Manchester United to end his registration. Since then, top European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain have shown interest in him.
On September 18, Gabriel and his team flew to Spain to talk with both Real Madrid and Barcelona. No final decision has been made yet, as Manchester United hope they can convince him to stay at Old Trafford. It seems Real Madrid and Pérez are doing everything they can to win over Gabriel, with reports saying Real’s financial offer is much higher than Barcelona’s.
Pérez is eager to sign Gabriel and doesn’t want another player to pick Barcelona over Real, especially after Rodri chose Barca over Real last summer. According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, Gabriel’s team had leaned toward Barcelona because he’s shown a liking for the club and even wore their jersey in videos. But in reality, Real Madrid’s offer is much tougher to beat.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has been in regular contact with Gabriel’s agent, and the family even visited Barcelona recently. Barca is promising a quick path to the first team and a playing style that fits Gabriel’s skills perfectly, plus a very rewarding contract when he turns 16 on October 6.
Despite Barca’s efforts, Real Madrid’s offer stands out as much better financially. This is a sore spot for Real, as they don’t want to lose another promising young player to their rivals.
Gabriel made his senior debut with Manchester United during preseason, but he hasn’t signed a professional contract yet due to Premier League rules. He’ll be allowed to sign a scholarship contract when he turns 16 in early October, and a professional deal when he’s 17 in 2027.
There’s a ticking clock, too. Gabriel can sign with an agent and even a pro contract with a European club from October 6, using his Irish passport. Manchester United has so far refused to cancel his registration. Both the club, player, and his guardian must agree to any withdrawal, but if they don’t, the Premier League can step in to decide.
If United block the move, Gabriel could appeal to the Premier League or FIFA. The young star reportedly wants to leave because he feels the club is falling behind Europe’s best, and his team believes promises about moving up to the first team haven’t been kept.
Manchester United might only get around £300,000 in compensation if Gabriel joins a Premier League rival — and even that could be decided by a tribunal. The next couple of weeks will be crucial for both the club and the player’s future.