Florentino Perez directly intervenes in JJ Gabriel saga as Real Madrid boast major advantage over Barcelona

Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez has reportedly got involved in the club’s ongoing pursuit of wantaway Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel.

Gabriel, 15, whose real name is Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, asked for his Man United registration to be terminated last week and has since been linked with Europe’s biggest clubs: Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

On September 18, the youngster and his representatives flew to Spain to hold talks with both La Liga giants, although no final decision on his future has been made, as United hold out hope of persuading him to stay at Old Trafford.

And it appears Real and Perez are doing all they can to pip Barca to the 15-year-old’s signature, with Spanish outlet SPORT reporting that Los Blancos’ financial offer is much higher than Barca’s.

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Florentino Perez determined to sign JJ Gabriel

Perez is determined to land Gabriel and does not want to see another player choose Barca over Real after Rodri snubbed the 15-time European champions in favour of a move to Catalonia last summer.

SPORT stated: “Gabriel's entourage had hinted that the footballer had a particular fondness for FC Barcelona and that he had worn the Barça jersey on numerous occasions in the many videos recorded over the years. However, the reality of the negotiations was considerably harsher for Barça's interests: Real Madrid's offer was significantly higher than Barça's.

“Despite this setback, Deco has intensified his contacts with JJ Gabriel's agent in recent days. The footballer and his family were in Barcelona last week, while the Barça sporting director met with agent Ali Barat this Saturday (as reported by the Culemanía website). And therein lies a significant shift in the deal.

“Barça wants JJ Gabriel on their roster and is guaranteeing him a sporting project that could lead him to the first team very quickly. And all within a playing system perfectly suited to a player characterized by exquisite ball control and overwhelming command of the situation when he approaches the opposition's penalty area. Of course, such progression would be accompanied by an exceptionally lucrative contract for a player who will turn 16 on October 6th.

“Both in Madrid and in England, the media insist that Real Madrid's financial offer is significantly higher than Barça's. There's no doubt that Rodri's dramatic move this summer has stung within Real Madrid's sporting structure. Florentino Pérez's club doesn't want to see one of European football's brightest young talents reject their offer and instead say YES to FC Barcelona.”

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Man Utd face imminent JJ Gabriel deadline

Gabriel was handed his senior debut by Michael Carrick during pre-season but has yet to sign a professional contract or scholarship with the side due to Premier League rules.

The teenager will be allowed to pen a scholarship with United when he turns 16 on October 6 and a professional deal when he celebrates his 17th birthday in 2027.

It has also been widely reported that United effectively face a deadline of fewer than two weeks to convince the player to stay, as Gabriel will be allowed to sign with an agent on his 16th birthday.

The wonderkid can also pen a professional deal with an EU-based club on October 6 through his Irish passport.

United have reportedly already refused to terminate the player’s registration. All three parties – the club, the player and the parent/carer – must agree before a child’s registration can be ripped up.

Premier League rules state: “If the parties don’t agree, then any person involved can also ask the Premier League to provide a binding decision on a termination request.”

If United block a potential move, Gabriel may launch an appeal to the Premier League or FIFA.

Gabriel reportedly wants to leave United due to concerns that the club are falling behind Europe’s elite sides, while his representatives feel that promises of a pathway to the first team have been broken.

The Old Trafford club may receive as little as £300,000 in compensation should Gabriel join a Premier League rival – although this would be subject to a tribunal.