Real Madrid News
Real Madrid seeking clarity before pushing for Manchester United talent
The story of Manchester United’s young talent JJ Gabriel has been one of the major talking points in the Spanish media in recent weeks, as the player is seen as one of the most promising talents in the sport.
Having made his decision to leave Manchester United at just 15 years of age, Gabriel has sparked interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid as his primary destinations. Bayern Munich also remain alert to the operation.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Barcelona were growing as an option and taking charge of the race, but Real Madrid also remain committed to the objective as reported by Diario AS.
A complicated deal
As confirmed by the Spanish outlet, signing Gabriel requires several bureaucratic clarifications given the player’s age and England’s rules on teenage transfers.
Real Madrid are thus studying the potential operation and the risks it could involve in detail and have been in contact with Manchester United to inform them of what is happening with the player.
The reason for the complication is straightforward – Gabriel still does not have a professional contract with Manchester United. That makes his departure easy, but his age makes matters ambiguous.
Since the United Kingdom left the European Union, FIFA regulations do not permit UK-based players to leave the country before the age of 18.
Ireland, however, is where the player’s roots are, and the nation is outside the UK’s economic and labour relationship with the rest of Europe. How his situation will be interpreted, thus, remains a gray area.
Looking for clarity
Real Madrid, for their part, are looking to make sure they are absolutely certain about the interpretation of rules before they go all out to sign the youngster.
As per the European Union, players are free to move after the age of 16 – a number Gabriel will cross in October.
There is, thus, a strong likelihood that the player’s Irish heritage will permit a transfer, and all eyes will be on Real Madrid’s pre-transfer diligence to see if they eventually push for the move.
Real Madrid have identified the midfield department as a key area of the squad that needs strengthening next year.
Having failed to sign Rodri this past summer, the Merengues understand that a major signing is necessary in the position.
Several names have already been linked as potential targets for the Spanish capital club, one of whom happens to be AFC Bournemouth rising star Alex Scott.
Indeed, Real Madrid have scouted the England international this season and are continuing to closely monitor his development in the Premier League.
However, competition for the 23-year-old midfielder’s services is already heating up.
AC Milan eye Alex Scott
Indeed, according to Tutto Mercato (h/t AS), Italian giants AC Milan have set their sights on Scott to replace Real Madrid legend Luka Modric next season.
Modric, at 41, is entering the final phase of his career and his contract with the Rossoneri stands to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.
As such, the Serie A heavyweights will need to rope in a replacement and have seemingly identified Scott, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar, as an option.
Apart from AC Milan, even Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown interest in the 23-year-old England star, and might even be willing to make a move for him in January.
This complicates the situation for Real Madrid, who would ideally wait until the summer of 2027 to reinforce their midfield unit.
€50 million for Scott?
Furthermore, the report states that Scott is valued by Bournemouth at around €50 million, a fee that could be an issue for AC Milan.
That figure, however, should not pose a challenge for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the increasing competition for the 23-year-old’s services could drive up the price further, making things complicated.
For now, though, Real Madrid’s interest in Scott has been limited to scouting and monitoring his progress and compiling reports on him.
Whether it translates into a formal approach and offer in the summer or in January itself remains to be seen.
