Liverpool have commissioned two reports on a player taking LaLiga by storm ahead of a possible summer swoop, and the Man Utd and Arsenal-linked target has already hinted at who he could join.
It’ll come as no surprise to learn Barcelona and Real Madrid currently occupy the top two spots in the LaLiga table. However, the Player of the Month award for February did not go to a star from either of those clubs.
Instead, it was Celta Vigo’s 20-year-old midfielder, Gabri Veiga, who scooped the prize.
Veiga bagged four goals in four matches in the month of February and provided an assist too.
Unsurprisingly, his exploits at club level have begun to attract attention. Indeed, Spanish outlet AS reported in late-February Man Utd and Arsenal were mulling moves.
Veiga’s current deal at Celta contains a release clause worth €35m (approx. £31m). As such, Veiga’s growing list of suitors know exactly how much it’ll take to bring Celta to their knees.
Now, according to ESPN, Liverpool too are well and truly in the mix and have actually taken the lead in the impending transfer race.
That’s because the Reds have reportedly ‘commissioned reports on both Veiga’s sporting and personal life’. Clearly, Liverpool’s recruitment team wish to get a better understanding of Veiga’s profile before making their move.
ESPN confirm Veiga is on Man Utd’s radar too, though the Red Devils’ priority in the summer window will be signing a new centre-forward.
A midfield addition could be sanctioned as well, though reinforcements up front will take precedence.
In contrast, the prevailing aim at Anfield this summer will be overhauling the midfield. Veiga predominantly plays in central positions either just behind the striker or in a deeper midfield role. He’s a potent attacking threat from either position.
ESPN add Newcastle, AC Milan and Napoli are all keeping tabs on Veiga too. Elsewhere, Leeds Utd and Bournemouth both enquired about a move in January, though given Veiga’s rapid rise, those clubs have now likely missed their chance.
Gabri Veiga destination hinted
On the subject of where Veiga might end up, ESPN state a move to England appears to most logical next step.
On precisely which club could win the race, Spanish journalist, Manu Sainz, recently pointed the finger towards north London.
Speaking on Diario AS’ Twitch show, Sainz revealed Arsenal are Veiga’s favourite overseas side and the Spaniard “dreams” of playing for the Gunners.
Of course, sentiment often holds little weight in football. Indeed, we saw Mykhailo Mudryk poached from under Arsenal’s nose by Chelsea in January despite the Ukrainian longing for a move to the Emirates.
If the Gunners fail to act on their interest in Veiga, it may well be Liverpool or Man Utd that pounce.
