Three year plan for JJ Gabriel proposed before getting near Real Madrid first team

The 16-year-old is training at Real Madrid as he finalises a move from Manchester United, with a potential three-year development plan involving loans to lower divisions before first-team football.

JJ Gabriel, 16, is currently training in Madrid as he works towards completing a transfer from Manchester United. The England U17 international, described as a 'generational talent' by Ryan Giggs, requested to leave Old Trafford in September after a dispute over playing time, just days after scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut.

United could receive as little as £300,000 in compensation, though talkSPORT reports the clubs have not yet had direct contact. Gabriel has been warned he is not physically ready for Premier League football and is unlikely to feature for Madrid's first team immediately.

European football expert Andy Brassell suggests Real Madrid may have a structured plan: a year at Castilla or in Spain's second division, followed by loans to clubs like Getafe or Levante before potential first-team integration. This mirrors Madrid's approach with other young talents. Endrick, four years Gabriel's senior, has made just one La Liga start despite his reputation, highlighting the challenge facing young arrivals at the Bernabéu.