One Celta Vigo legend fears that Gabri Veiga will be on his way this summer as Premier League giants Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United queue up for the La Liga star.
Earlier this week, Athletic Bilbao’s Oihan Sancet emphatically drew a line under any questions regarding his own future, signing a colossal nine-year contract at San Mames.
Celta icon Patxi Salinas still harbours hope that Veiga will do the same. The Spain U21 international is, after all, a Balaidos boy born and raised. Celta, he says, is his ‘home’.
But the time comes for every precocious youngster to fly the nest and spread his wings. Veiga could move into new accommodation sooner rather than later too, reports indicating that – while Liverpool, Manchester United, Man City and Newcastle are all interested – Veiga is leaning towards joining fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta at Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Will Gabri Veiga join Liverpool, Arsenal or Newcastle United?
“I am very sorry,” Salinas tells Marca, admitting that he would be ‘sad’ to see Veiga go. “We will have to enjoy him in another shirt. It is very difficult for a club like Celta to keep him.
“Today, a 40 million euro clause is very easy to pay for many clubs, and the figures they offer you are dizzying. It is extremely difficult to retain these players.”
Newcastle are reportedly ready and willing to trigger the £33 million release clause. Veiga, who has scored the most goals (nine) of any midfielder in La Liga this season, would also receive a big pay rise at St James’ Park.
Faro de Vigo, however, believe that the prospect of living in London is something that appeals to the ‘outstanding’ young Spaniard. Arsenal’s reputation for developing up-and-coming talent, meanwhile, has also not passed him by.
“If I were the president of the club, I would fight with all my strength and until the last second. If I am the one who has to make the decision, I would not let him go just like that. I would fight even, if he signed for a big club, so that he could stay on loan for one or two years,” Salinas adds.
“If a club comes, pays the clause and the player wants to leave, perfect. But as a club you must fight until the end to keep him. Maybe the surprise will come, and the footballer says he wants to stay. There are players who love their clubs and don’t move.”
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