JJ Gabriel rejects PSG to pursue Real Madrid move in £8.5m exit from Man Utd

JJ Gabriel has rejected a transfer offer from Paris Saint-Germain and is edging closer to joining Real Madrid in a deal that would end his time at Manchester United, according to reports from Spanish outlet Sport.

The 16-year-old stunned United in September by requesting to leave the club he joined in 2022, just as he was on the verge of becoming the Premier League side’s youngest-ever first-team player. He had been expected to feature in the squad for their Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton but has not appeared for any of United’s teams since making his exit request.

Gabriel is currently training in Castelldefels, Barcelona, and is said to have his heart set on a move to La Liga rather than Ligue 1. While PSG were among the clubs pursuing the teenager — alongside Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid — the French champions’ latest approach has been turned down flat.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has previously denied the club’s interest in Gabriel, which appears to have left Madrid as the frontrunners. The 15-time European champions have already held meetings with Bayern Munich over a potential move, but with Spain the youngster’s preferred destination, Madrid hold a significant advantage.

Financially, Real Madrid are reported to be willing to meet a total package of £8.5 million (€10m) to secure Gabriel’s signature. That figure encompasses a three-year contract worth more than £850,000 (€1m) per season, compensation for his family, a payment to United, and agent commissions for super-agent Ali Barat, who represents the teenager.

Gabriel holds an EU passport through his Cypriot ancestry, which is a key factor in the transfer. While United can block a move to a Premier League rival, they have no mechanism to prevent him from joining a club on the continent.

The precise timeline for completing a deal that resolves Gabriel’s future at Old Trafford remains unclear.