Real Madrid close to signing Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel, pending EU passport

Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid are nearing an agreement with JJ Gabriel, a 16-year-old forward of Cypriot origin who is registered with Manchester United, although the deal hinges on him obtaining an EU passport. The Spanish club have put forward a multi-year contract and, if final talks go well, hope to welcome him in January.

The passport and the Fifa exception

Madrid plan to rely on a Fifa exception allowing clubs in the European Union to sign players aged 16 to 18 from within the EU and the European Economic Area. Fifa prohibits international transfers of players under 18, and since Brexit British clubs have no longer been covered by this exception.

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Gabriel qualifies for an EU passport through both of his parents. He is reportedly getting ready to obtain a Cypriot passport, which would let him join any club as a free agent from next January.

Manchester United’s position

Gabriel remains registered with the United academy until the end of the season. The English club will consider legal action if it concludes that any rules have been broken, and it is monitoring the situation for possible breaches of the regulations. United would be entitled to compensation if he moved to Madrid or to any other club.

Route to senior football

Gabriel left United in September and is believed to be training in Spain. A move to Madrid would give him a path to senior football via Castilla, the club’s B team, who compete in the Spanish third tier.