Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga is set to turn down interest from Europe’s leading clubs in favour of a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
Veiga has attracted attention from a number of top clubs across the continent after a breakthrough season at Celta Vigo, with the 21-year-old having scored 11 La Liga goals from a central midfield position.
Several of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ tracked his progress last season, while Napoli had appeared set to sign the Spain u-21 international before a deal stalled.
Al-Ahli have now made their move and Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the Saudi side have had an offer accepted for Veiga, who has agreed terms to move to the Middle East.
Head coach Matthias Jaissle, who joined the club from Red Bull Salzburg this summer, was crucial to persuading Veiga to sign for Al-Ahli in what shapes as a statement signing for the division.
Saudi sides are determined to invest in both current talents and those for the future and Veiga arrives as one of the most coveted prospects in Europe’s top five leagues.
Veiga is the latest star signing for the three-time Saudi champions, who will be captained this season by former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.
Al-Ahli have also signed Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy and Allan Saint-Maximin from the Premier League this summer, while securing deals for Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, Atalanta centre-back Merih Demiral and Roma defender Roger Ibanez.
