Manchester City and Real Madrid are reportedly reigniting interest in Gabri Veiga, the Spanish midfielder currently plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli. The 22-year-old, earning £191,000 per week, was previously linked to City in the summer of 2023 when Pep Guardiola was keen on securing his signature during his time at Celta Vigo.
Instead of a move to the Premier League, Veiga opted for a lucrative transfer to Al-Ahli, joining a growing contingent of high-profile players moving to Saudi Arabia.
Veiga’s Form Since His Move
Since his transfer, Veiga has contributed eight goals and five assists in 39 appearances for Al-Ahli. While those numbers reflect a solid output, reports suggest the midfielder could be keen on a return to European football as early as next summer.
Strategic Interest for Manchester City
For Manchester City, Veiga’s profile as a dynamic, technically skilled midfielder aligns with Guardiola’s philosophy. The City boss has been vocal about refreshing his squad, particularly addressing concerns over the squad’s average age and maintaining competitiveness in domestic and European competitions.
Adding Veiga could provide Guardiola with more depth in midfield, especially with City’s demanding fixture schedule across multiple fronts. His previous interest in Veiga indicates that the player has qualities Guardiola values, such as vision, ball control, and versatility.
Real Madrid’s Plans for the Future
Meanwhile, Real Madrid see Veiga as a potential long-term successor to their aging midfield duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. With both players in the twilight of their careers, Madrid have been actively scouting young midfield talent to sustain their dominance in Europe.
Contract and Future Prospects
Veiga’s current deal with Al-Ahli runs until 2026, but interest from European heavyweights could accelerate his return to top-tier football. As both clubs reportedly monitor the situation closely, the upcoming summer transfer window may see fierce competition for his signature.
This developing story underscores the evolving nature of the transfer market, where elite European clubs are increasingly looking to repatriate emerging talents from the Middle East.
