JJ Gabriel could make the same move as Jude Bellingham in order to make Real Madrid bypass a strict La Liga rule.

After expressing a desire to leave Manchester United in September, 16-year-old Gabriel is poised to get his wish as he appears to be on the verge of signing for Real in January.

Gabriel's entourage had hoped the wonderkid would be able to leave United imminently as a free agent but the club refused to cancel his registration.

That has delayed a departure, but he has been keeping sharp by doing double sessions in Madrid and even posed with the 'MARCA' newspaper.

According to AS, the signing is pending final details but is effectively "a done deal". And the outlet claims Gabriel's citizenship could prove extremely handy for Real in a number of ways.

JJ Gabriel set to make passport decision which will benefit Real Madrid

FIFA rules do not typically allow international transfers involving players who are minors but exceptions can be made with those who are in the 16-18 age bracket which Gabriel qualifies.

In addition, he also has European Union nationality, which helps facilitate the transfer.

Gabriel was born in England, but he qualifies as an EU player because of his family roots in Ireland through his father and his mother holding Cypriot citizenship.

He must still go through the process of gaining a passport but it will be of huge benefit to Real going forward.

Although English, Real Madrid star Bellingham has an Irish passport, which has allowed him to qualify as an EU player even with the United Kingdom leaving the EU in February 2020.

Bellingham qualified to play for the Republic of Ireland through his paternal grandmother. He selected England and has been nothing short of a revelation for his country.

However, it was reported in 2024 by The Athletic that Bellingham applied for an Irish passport - which he was successful in obtaining.

In doing so, Bellingham counts as an EU player in a clever loophole exploited by the 15-time European champions.

La Liga's matchday squads only allow three non-EU players, with a maximum of five in the first team squad overall.

With Bellingham not filling one of those spots, Real are therefore afforded the luxury of signing non-EU players without having too many already on their books.

Similarly, Vinicius Jr obtained Spanish citizenship in 2022 so that he was no longer considered a non-EU player and freed up another spot.

Gabriel's registration could do the very same if he eventually makes the grade at the first-team.

JJ Gabriel compensation fee revealed ahead of expected Real Madrid transfer

Gabriel is poised to go into the academy set-up at Real but is unable to feature in the UEFA Youth League for the Under 19's as his registration with United is still active.

It's been reported that United will likely only receive a minimal training compensation fee rumoured to be £300,000 for the exciting prospect.

Article 20 on FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) states that a compensation fee is due "when a professional player transfers between clubs belonging to different national associations".

Moves within the Premier League for youth talents have different compensation rules, with the Professional Football Compensation Committee tribunal stepping in to decide the compensation amount if a fee is not negotiated.

A sum of around £3 million would have been on the table if Gabriel joined a Premier League rival such as Chelsea or Manchester City.