JEDDAH — Rafael Benitez, the manager of Celta Vigo, has recognized that the 21-year-old midfielder Gabriel Veiga Novas is one of Spain's most promising prospects and is close to joining Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. As Celta prepared to meet Real Madrid in the Spanish league on Friday, Gabri Veiga was conspicuously absent from the starting lineup, fueling rumors that he would be joining Al-Ahli soon.
Veiga came close to joining Napoli, the current Italian champions, according to rumors in the Spanish media. Al-Ahli, a team that has made notable additions this summer, featuring players like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, Frank Kessie, and Allan Saint-Maximin, made him an alluring offer, though.
Rafael Benitez discussed Veiga's status during a press conference, saying: "Veiga's talent has bloomed, and he has demonstrated amazing performances, making him an appealing player in the transfer market. Although Celta initially had no intention of selling him, things have changed as a result of the situation.
The athlete himself and his family are in a situation that will improve their lives, according to Benitez, a former manager of Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Inter Milan. His youth gives him the chance to come back and play in leagues with higher standards.
According to rumors in the Spanish media, Celta Vigo may have agreed to sell Veiga to Al-Ahli for a rumored 35 million euros.
Fans are eager to follow Gabri Veiga's adventure as he faces new challenges in a foreign league as a result of his move to Al-Ahli Saudi Club, which represents an important step in his professional development.
The signing underscores the growing appeal of Saudi football clubs in the international transfer market and marks a turning point for Veiga.
