Manchester United teenage wonderkid prefers Barcelona move over Real Madrid – report

Manchester United teenage wonderkid prefers Barcelona move over Real Madrid – report The future of Manchester United teenage gem JJ Gabriel has become a topic of much speculation in recent weeks. The young attacking midfielder, who turned 16 earlier this month, has now gone for close to three weeks without training with the Premier League club, having informed them of his desire to leave. Given the developments, several top clubs across Europe have taken note, with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid among the interested parties. While Bayern Munich and PSG have also expressed an interest in the 16-year-old wonderkid’s situation, he is understood to be leaning towards a transfer to Spain, leaving Barça and Real Madrid as the leading candidates to sign him. Gabriel prefers Barcelona move Now, according to journalist Jose Alvarez of El Chiringuito , Gabriel prefers a transfer to Barcelona over their arch-rivals Real Madrid. JJ Gabriel leaning towards Barcelona over Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) This update comes on the back of speculation in Madrid media that Los Blancos had become increasingly confident of signing the Manchester United teenager. Gabriel, who can play as an attacking midfielder or a left-winger, has been training in Spain in recent days after making it clear that he does not wish to continue at Manchester United. Real Madrid have been in talks with his camp as well as with the Red Devils, and as such, there was seemingly a growing belief within the club that they could sign him. However, as per the latest update from Alvarez, the English wonderkid, who can leave as early as January as he can get a EU passport, wants to join Barcelona. Who will win the race for JJ Gabriel? (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) The cost of operation As already reported, any move for Gabriel will not cost a lot of money in terms of transfer fees, with Manchester United expected to receive a nominal sum of around £350,000 in training compensation. However, the youngster is understood to be demanding a seven-figure salary from suitors, and reports suggest that the total cost of operation, including wages and agent commission, could rise to around €10-15 million . That represents a significant investment on a teenager without any guarantees of him going on to fulfil his potential. So, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona are prepared to take a gamble on the youngster.