Liverpool, which pushed for a generational change in its midfielders, was tracking a number of players, including Khéphren Thuram and Manu Koné, in addition to Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, whom it had successfully acquired.
Like them, Gabri Veiga, a Spanish U-21 midfielder from Celta de Vigo, was mentioned as a target. As time went on, he became less of a priority, but Napoli, who won the Serie A title last season, showed strong interest and were working to conclude negotiations.
However, while negotiations with Napoli dragged on, Saudi Arabian financial resources were deployed. Al Ahli, which has acquired Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Franck Kessier, and Alain Saint-Maximan, reached an agreement between the clubs, and the young Spanish midfielder has also shaken his head to go to the Middle East, according to Fabrizio Romano.
“EXCLUSIVE: Gabri Veiga to Al Ahli, here we go! Bid accepted by Celta, player also said yes.”
“Coach Jaissle was crucial for Veiga to accept.”
“Al Ahli sign their secret top target.”
“Saudi side want to invest on world best talents — and now they also got the gem Gabri Veiga.”
EXCLUSIVE: Gabri Veiga to Al Ahli, here we go! Bid accepted by Celta, player also said yes 🚨🟢🇸🇦
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2023
Coach Jaissle was crucial for Veiga to accept.
Al Ahli sign their secret top target.
Saudi side want to invest on world best talents — and now they also got the gem Gabri Veiga. pic.twitter.com/8xfOMyiUTS
The gem of a player who had attracted the interest of some of the top clubs in the top flight, including Arsenal at one point, in addition to Liverpool and Napoli, left European soccer behind to embark on a new career in Saudi Arabia.
The transfer story was more shocking than that of Ruben Neves and others who made the decision to leave Europe in their mid-20s. Will Gabri Veiga be able to shine in Saudi Arabia?