Real Madrid believe English teenage sensation may be worth the risk despite major obstacles

Real Madrid believe English teenage sensation may be worth the risk despite major obstacles Real Madrid have an attack that most clubs would envy, with two or three starting options for each position. The club added Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi in the summer, strengthening an already bloated attack, but it looks like they have their eyes on other options as well. Los Blancos are carefully studying a possible move for Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel, who is looking for a new club. According to Diario AS , Madrid recognise that there are several obstacles surrounding a move for the attacking midfielder. However, the club’s assessment is particularly striking: the potential of the player nicknamed “Kid Messi” could make overcoming those difficulties worthwhile. Madrid believe Gabriel may be worth the trouble Gabriel turns 16 on 6 October and wants to leave Manchester United because he believes there is no clear enough pathway into the first team. Madrid are among several European giants monitoring the situation, but signing him would be far from straightforward. JJ Gabriel is out shopping for a club in the market. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) Since British players are considered non-EU footballers following Brexit, Gabriel ordinarily could not move to Madrid before turning 18. An earlier move abroad would require his family to relocate for reasons unrelated to his football career. There is another complication. Gabriel is already registered with United this season and could therefore only represent another club if the English side released him. That seems unlikely . Despite the obstacles stacked against this deal, Madrid continue to study the possibilities. A talent Madrid do not want to ignore Madrid’s determination is the most important aspect. They are not approaching the 15-year-old because the operation is convenient. Quite the opposite. They understand the legal and practical difficulties but apparently rate his potential highly enough to stick their necks out for him. There is serious competition as well. Bayern Munich are mentioned as a major contender, while Barcelona have gained momentum recently. Gabriel is effectively assessing his options across Europe before deciding where his future should lie. A calculated gamble worth taking For Madrid, there is an obvious difference between recognising Gabriel’s potential and actually getting involved in an expensive or legally problematic operation. However, elite teenage talents rarely arrive without competition. The English starlet is widely regarded as the biggest talent of his generation. Real Madrid see JJ Gabriel worth the trouble it could take to sign him. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) There are also question marks surrounding Gabriel’s camp and how involved they become in negotiations. Madrid’s recruitment strategy recently has been built around identifying exceptional youngsters before their value and status explode. Gabriel appears to have reached the point where the club believe walking away simply because the deal is difficult could carry its own risk. There are plenty of obstacles, but Madrid seem ready for the ride, and it remains to be seen how the negotiations pan out.