Boom! Real Madrid could sign the new Messi
One of Manchester United's brightest academy talents has caught the attention of Real Madrid.
Details: According to The Athletic, Real Madrid are working on a deal for 15-year-old Manchester United attacker JJ Gabriel. The highly rated youngster has long been regarded as one of the standout talents of his generation and is widely known by the nickname Kid Messi.
The timing of Madrid's reported move is particularly significant. Gabriel has asked for his registration with Manchester United to be terminated, throwing his future at Old Trafford into serious doubt. His request does not automatically make him a free agent: cancelling a youth registration requires an agreement between the relevant parties or a binding decision from the Premier League.
Real Madrid are not the only European giant following the situation. Barcelona have also been named among the clubs interested in Gabriel, while Chelsea are monitoring developments. For now, however, there is no confirmed agreement over the teenager's departure from Manchester United or his next club.
It is worth noting that Gabriel produced a remarkable UEFA Youth League debut on September 10, scoring a hat-trick in Manchester United's 5-0 victory over Sabah. At 15 years and 339 days, he became the youngest United player to score a hat-trick in the competition. He also won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award after the 2025/26 season.
Reminder: The “little Messi” Manchester United could lose: who is JJ Gabriel?
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
