€10 million battle! Real Madrid ready to hijack Barcelona's deal for Manchester United wonderkid

The transfer war between Real Madrid and Barcelona is reaching boiling point. The Spanish giants are fighting for one of Manchester United's most exciting young talents, and the Madrid club are reportedly ready to spend an enormous sum to beat their bitter rivals to his signature.

Details: According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Real Madrid are willing to meet the financial and sporting demands of Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel, with the overall package reportedly estimated at approximately €10 million. Barcelona are also pushing to secure the 16 year old forward and have reportedly prepared a three year contract featuring around €2 million in total salary plus additional bonuses. The Madrid club are understood to be prepared to offer an attractive sporting project alongside substantial financial guarantees. However, neither Spanish giant has officially confirmed an agreement with the player or Manchester United.

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The latest financial details add another explosive chapter to a transfer saga that has already attracted some of Europe's biggest clubs. Gabriel has emerged as one of the most highly rated prospects in Manchester United's academy, impressing scouts with his technical ability, creativity and extraordinary finishing. His performances in youth competitions have earned him the nickname Kid Messi, a comparison reflecting his attacking instincts and ability to influence matches despite his young age. Real Madrid and Barcelona believe the teenager could develop into a major player for the next generation.

The battle has intensified since Gabriel requested the cancellation of his Manchester United registration in September. The English club have refused to grant that request and remain determined to retain their talented academy graduate. In early October, United offered the youngster a scholarship for the following season, hoping to persuade him that his future should remain at Old Trafford. However, interest from leading European teams has made the situation increasingly complicated, particularly because the player has ambitions of progressing rapidly into senior football.

Barcelona have been working on the possibility of signing Gabriel for several weeks. Previous reports indicated that the teenager travelled to Catalonia for discussions, while sporting director Deco has been closely associated with the club's interest. According to the latest claims, the proposed agreement would cover three years and include approximately €2 million in salary across that period, with bonuses potentially increasing the total. Such an offer illustrates how seriously Barcelona regard the opportunity to secure one of England's brightest young attackers.

Real Madrid, however, appear determined to prevent their rivals from winning this particular transfer battle. The reported willingness to meet an overall package worth around €10 million highlights the scale of the club's interest. Importantly, the figure should not be confused with a confirmed transfer fee payable to Manchester United. The wider financial package may include salary commitments, bonuses and other costs associated with the move. Previous reporting has suggested that training compensation payable to United could be substantially lower than the overall expenditure.

The competition extends beyond Spain. Bayern Munich have reportedly held discussions with Gabriel's representatives and explored the possibility of providing a clear route toward first team football. Paris Saint Germain have also been linked with the youngster. For Gabriel and his entourage, the sporting opportunities offered by each club could prove just as important as the financial details. The next decision will therefore involve balancing immediate development, future playing time and the prospect of joining one of Europe's most prestigious institutions.

It's worth noting that JJ Gabriel turned 16 on October 6, 2026, and was named the Premier League Under 18 Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign. The Manchester United academy forward also scored a hat trick on his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah in September. Barcelona and Real Madrid are among the leading contenders for his signature, but no transfer has been officially completed.

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