Manchester United have raided some of Europe’s biggest clubs to strengthen their academy over the last few years.
In 2020, United signed Marc Jurado, Alejandro Garnacho, and Alvaro Carreras from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid respectively. More recently, they convinced Arsenal pair Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven to move to Manchester.
The Red Devils’ efforts to sign the best up-and-coming talents have further intensified after Ineos took control of football operations at Old Trafford. However, a European powerhouse is now looking to snatch a Carrington jewel from their grasp.
Real Madrid keen on signing Gabriel
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid have set their sights on JJ Gabriel, who has been given the nickname ‘Kid Messi’ due to his mesmerising manipulation of the ball.
At just 15 years of age, Gabriel is setting the stage alight with his performances for the U18s, having been involved in 11 goals in nine appearances so far.
It is claimed Real have identified the gifted forward as one of the future stars of football.
Further, there is a belief in the Spanish capital that Los Blancos could provide the young sensation an ideal environment to develop and eventually break into the first team at Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spanish outlet further report that Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also interested in Gabriel.
Man United doing their best to keep hold of Gabriel
United, meanwhile, are determined to secure his long term future at Old Trafford.
As per the Manchester Evening News, Gabriel was close to leaving the Mancunians in the summer.
It is believed talks were advanced with a European giant. However, an eleventh-hour meeting, involving Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, led to an agreement that the teenager would remain in Manchester for at least another two years.
United rate Gabriel so highly that recently they introduced him to first-team head coach Ruben Amorim, who spent time discussing his philosophy and stressed the importance of working hard in training.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
