Newcastle United have emerged as surprising contenders to recruit Gabri Veiga, two years after his controversial transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
Veiga joined Al Ahli in August 2023, following a successful season with Celta Vigo, when he scored 11 goals in La Liga.
Veiga’s form in the 2022/23 season had him connected with some of Europe’s best teams, but he, like many others that summer, chose to relocate to the Saudi Pro League rather than remain in Europe.
That transfer generated quite a commotion in Spain, with then-Real Madrid player Toni Kroos claiming at the time: “Everyone goes there for the money. You can decide whether that’s good or not.
“What I just roughly differentiate is, for example, a change from Cristiano (Ronaldo) or (Karim) Benzema, who are heading there towards the end of their career. They’ve won everything, have legendary status, achieved everything and then let their careers coast to a halt and take this unbelievable money with them.
“What I have a problem with are the 26, 27, 28-year-olds, who have absolutely top quality, play in top clubs in Europe and have the chance to achieve that in the next three or four years what others who are going there have already achieved. I’m not a fan of that.
“It’s an incredibly bad example for a lot of young youth players that the motivation is money. I think it’s a pity for everyone who puts sporting thoughts to the back of their minds in the absolute top football age. That’s just not a good role model for me and a danger for the football of the future.”
Two years later, it appears like Veiga will be on the move again this summer, with Newcastle United among the clubs apparently interested in the winger.
Gabri Veiga transfer latest
According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle have made contact with Veiga’s representatives about a possible move to St James’ Park. While there is no assurance that the 22-year-old will leave Saudi Arabia this summer, a return to Europe has been discussed, with Celta Vigo, Atletico Madrid, and Newcastle among his prospective suitors.
Veiga has 17 Under-21 caps for Spain, although he has yet to make his senior debut for the national team. Veiga has 12 goals in Saudi Arabia and was temporarily teammates with former Magpies favourite Allan Saint-Maximin.
Saint-Maximin left Al-Ahli last summer to join Turkish club Fenerbahce on loan, allowing Veiga to play more minutes for his team. In Veiga’s first full season at Al Ahli, he was ranked below Saint-Maximin, Roberto Firmino, and Riyah Mahrez, all of whom were previous Premier League players.
Veiga is a versatile player who can play in both attacking midfield and out wide, making him ideal for Eddie Howe’s system on Tyneside. The Magpies will aim to improve their options in that part of the pitch this summer, but they may prefer to buy someone with more Premier League experience than the 22-year-old.
