Former Liverpool and Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez is hoping to see Gabri Veiga turn down a move to his old employers as Premier League scouts swoon over the Celta Vigo ace.
With a very affordable £33 million release clause in his contract at the La Liga outfit, it’s a surprise really that Gabri Veiga is still a Celta Vigo player with one third of the summer window already consigned to history.
Despite reports linking Veiga with the likes of Manchester United, Man City, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid – plus the aforementioned Liverpool and Newcastle – nothing appears to be imminent for the time being either.
And that will be music to Benitez’s ears.
The veteran Spaniard returned to management in June, taking over underachieving Celta Vigo following last season’s narrow escape from relegation.
Veiga was a ray of sunlight piercing through dark Galician skies in 2022/23. No midfielder scored more than his 11 La Liga goals, and Benitez will be counting down the days until September 1st as he looks to keep the Spain U21 international at Balaidos.
Newcastle United and Liverpool like Gabri Veiga
“We are talking about an important player, who comes from (the academy). I would be delighted to have him stay with us,” Benitez, who guided Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2005 before securing promotion with Newcastle a decade later, tells Sport.
“(Veiga staying at Celta) would be everyone’s hope. And I will try to improve as much as possible if he stays with us.
“I like him a lot. He’s a great player and I’m counting on him.”
According to the Northern Echo, Liverpool were leading Newcastle in the race for Veiga’s signature a month ago. That was before Jurgen Klopp turned his attention to RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai, however.
Newcastle may be tempted to step up their interest after opting against matching Liverpool’s £60 million Szoboszlai bid. Confidence, however, is growing behind the scenes that Veiga will still be a Celta player when the window closes.
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