JJ Gabriel: ‘My dream is to win a Ballon d’Or’ as Real Madrid move nears

JJ Gabriel has revealed his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or as the Manchester United teenager moves closer to a possible transfer to Real Madrid.

The 16-year-old forward spoke to Spanish newspaper Marca while training individually in Madrid. A verbal agreement over a potential move has been reported, but the transfer has not been completed and Gabriel remains registered with United.

JJ Gabriel reveals his Ballon d’Or ambition

Gabriel was shown a copy of Marca featuring coverage of his expected move and asked whether he could keep it, according to The Standard’s report of the interview.

Asked to choose between Real Madrid and Barcelona, he replied: “Obviously, Madrid.”

His longer-term target was equally clear: “My dream is to win a Ballon d’Or.”

The comments underline Gabriel’s preference, but they do not amount to confirmation that he has signed for the Spanish club.

Where does JJ Gabriel’s Real Madrid transfer stand?

Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that Real Madrid had reached a verbal agreement with Gabriel over a potential move.

He is registered with Manchester United’s academy until the end of the season. Madrid intend to bring him to Spain in January, although Sky reported that there had been no club-to-club contact at that stage.

Gabriel requested to leave United in September. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich were also interested, according to the same report.

The distinction remains important: an agreement with a player and his representatives is one step in the process. The proposed transfer and his registration with a new club still need to be completed.

Castilla offers a possible route towards Madrid’s first team

The Standard reports that Madrid’s plan is for Gabriel to develop with Castilla, their reserve side, before a possible progression into the senior squad.

His representative, Ali Barat, is handling negotiations. United had tried to persuade the forward to stay by offering a new contract and a route towards first-team football.

Analysis: Gabriel’s Ballon d’Or ambition will attract attention, but his immediate challenge would be establishing himself in a new development programme. A place with Castilla would represent a step towards senior football, rather than a guarantee of opportunities in Madrid’s first team.

What happens next for JJ Gabriel?

January is the intended window for the move, according to the reporting. Until the remaining arrangements are completed, Gabriel is still a Manchester United player and should not be described as a confirmed Real Madrid signing.

His interview makes his preferred destination clear. The next significant development will be confirmation of whether the proposed move has been finalised.

Follow the latest developments through our football transfer news and wider Premier League coverage.