Real Madrid confident of finalising the signing of Barcelona target – report

Real Madrid confident of finalising the signing of Barcelona target – report The race for JJ Gabriel has been one of the defining sagas of the past few months, and it is now entering its decisive phase. Regarded as one of the most gifted teenagers to emerge from Manchester United’s academy in years, Gabriel has made it clear he intends to leave Old Trafford, with Barcelona among the clubs chasing his signature. However, it appears Barcelona may end up missing out on the race to sign the young Englishman. Real Madrid growing in confidence According to Ramon Alvarez , there is mounting optimism inside Real Madrid that they can get the deal over the line. JJ Gabriel could be headed to Spain. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) That confidence is said to stem from their work with the player and a belief that he can obtain an Irish or Cypriot passport, the key that would unlock a move to an EU club. Documentation has long been flagged as the single biggest obstacle to any transfer, so progress on that front represents a significant step. The 16-year-old has already laid out a series of demands that United were unwilling to meet, from guaranteed first-team minutes to a lucrative contract, leaving the English side increasingly resigned to losing him. A switch is expected to be completed in the January 2027 window. What it means for Barcelona Barcelona are still in contention to sign JJ Gabriel. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) This is not a good sign for Barcelona, who were hoping to get their hands on the talented youngster this season. The Catalans have been locked in a two-way fight with Madrid for the youngster, with Bayern Munich and PSG also keeping tabs before the player signalled his preference for Spain. United stand to receive only around £350,000 in training compensation, making this a low-cost gamble on enormous potential. Yet no final decision has been made, and Barcelona remain very much in contention. With the January window still some way off, there is time for the pendulum to swing back. Ultimately, as has been stressed throughout, the final call will rest with Gabriel and his family. For now, though, the momentum appears to be drifting towards the Spanish capital.