Manchester United 16-year-old JJ Gabriel has revealed his ambition to win the Ballon d'Or amid a potential transfer to Real Madrid. The youngster, who turned 16 on Oct. 6, asked to leave United in September and has been training in Madrid. Gabriel told Spanish newspaper Marca that his dream is to win the Ballon d'Or.
Sources told ESPN that Madrid are increasingly confident of winning the race for the talented midfielder, having intensified negotiations after his birthday. United initially insisted they would not facilitate his departure, but sources indicate Gabriel's representatives held meetings with other clubs last summer without the club's knowledge. Gabriel's Irish passport could facilitate the transfer under FIFA regulations, with January the first opportunity for registration.
Manchester United now faces a crossroads regarding the promising young talent.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing