Klopp ‘loves’ superior La Liga midfield talent with Liverpool ready to gatecrash £35m transfer race
Liverpool are firm contenders for the signature of one of the most exciting emerging talents in La Liga, according to reports.
Gabri Veiga is the player in question after rising to prominence in the Celta Vigo first team. Just 20 years old, he is currently enjoying a breakout season in Spain.
Although Veiga’s first-team debut for Celta came back in September 2020, this is the season in which he has really started to make a name for himself. So far this term, he has made 25 appearances (of which 18 have been starts) and scored nine goals in La Liga, also adding three assists.
Veiga won the award for La Liga’s player of the month in February, after scoring two braces and providing one assist within four appearances. Since around that time, speculation has been increasing about his future.
Man Utd and Arsenal are among the clubs to have established themselves as suitors for Veiga, with the latter believed to be his preferred destination by some sources. But in recent days, Liverpool have come into the equation too.
Jurgen Klopp’s side need to add fresh energy to Veiga’s position of midfield. Therefore, the Spaniard could provide a solution.
According to journalist Anton Meana on Cadena Ser‘s El Larguero programme, Liverpool “love” Veiga. They can therefore be considered as one of his main suitors.
To sign him, they could activate his €40million (£35m) release clause. There may even be a chance for Veiga to move for less than that amount.
Celta, though, are hoping to maximise the money they could earn by selling him. In an ideal world, they want to tie him down to a new contract with a higher exit clause.
But Veiga is due to find a new representative from April onwards, and their task could be to earn him a big deal elsewhere.
Liverpool target Gabri Veiga being pushed towards Premier League
Those currently advising his career are trying to encourage him to move to the Premier League. In that case, Liverpool could have an advantage over Spanish suitors like Real Madrid.
Theoretically, they might have more room in their squad for Veiga to earn immediate gametime. Liverpool’s need in his position might be greater. Moreover, Klopp has given space to young talents like Harvey Elliott recently.
With several suitors queuing up for Veiga, though – seemingly including Newcastle as a serious contender too – the recent Spain under-21 debutant will have to weigh up several factors about his next step.
But this summer could represent decision time, since his current contract is due to expire in 2024. This year could be Celta’s last chance to cash in on the talent unless he renews his deal at Estadio Municipal de Balaidos.
If Celta get their way, the contract renewal would happen. But as things stand, they seriously risk losing Veiga.
And in that event, Liverpool will be among those hoping to benefit.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano one of two top sources to ignite Jude Bellingham to Liverpool transfer
