Newcastle push ahead with midfield deal as agent change sparks hope | OneFootball

Newcastle revisit Gabri Veiga pursuit as Saudi Pro League exit looms

Fresh momentum in Veiga’s European return

Newcastle United have revived their interest in Gabri Veiga, with sources confirming the midfielder could be available this summer as he prepares to leave the Saudi Pro League. Veiga’s decision to swap La Liga for Al-Ahli last year surprised many, but it now appears the 22-year-old is plotting a return to the European stage.

Photo: IMAGO

After turning heads at Celta de Vigo, Veiga made headlines in 2023 by rejecting offers from European giants in favour of a move to Saudi Arabia. While critics questioned the ambition behind the switch, the midfielder has maintained steady form, recording seven goals and five assists in his debut season with Al-Ahli.

TEAMtalk reports that Veiga will not renew his current deal, which runs until 2026, prompting Al-Ahli to consider selling the Spanish talent to avoid losing him at a discounted rate later on.

Changing agents signals summer movement

Perhaps the most telling sign of Veiga’s intentions is his decision to part ways with Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency. The midfielder is now represented by Gol International, a move that appears directly tied to facilitating a European return. With interest surfacing across the Premier League, Veiga’s new representatives are said to be actively engaging in discussions to secure a move.

Sources at Newcastle, once favourites to land Veiga before his Saudi switch, remain highly interested. Their recruitment focus has shifted to younger, dynamic midfield profiles, and Veiga fits the bill with his La Liga experience, technical pedigree, and untapped potential.

Photo IMAGO

Premier League competition builds

Newcastle are not alone. Wolves and Nottingham Forest are also monitoring developments, eager to add midfield quality at a sensible fee. Wolves, in particular, had previously opened lines of communication with Veiga’s former agency, indicating long-standing interest.

Forest see the Spaniard as a player capable of adapting quickly to the physical demands of the league, while Newcastle would view him as a versatile option capable of operating in various midfield roles, from deep-lying playmaker to advanced creator.

European competition is also in the frame, with Atlético Madrid and Celta Vigo reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing Veiga back to Spain. Any English club hoping to secure his signature will need to act decisively and present a compelling vision for his development.

Cut-price deal could spark scramble

Al-Ahli’s position is precarious. With Veiga unwilling to extend and just over a year left on his deal, the Saudi club may be forced into sanctioning a cut-price exit. That opens the door for a value-driven signing, particularly attractive to clubs with tighter financial parameters.

For Newcastle, this could represent a well-timed opportunity. The club’s ambition remains European qualification and strengthening their midfield with a player of Veiga’s calibre, without exhausting their summer budget, aligns neatly with their recruitment model.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Gabri Veiga was the name Newcastle were linked with before his move to Saudi Arabia, and it always felt like unfinished business. He’s a talent that screams long-term upside — we’re talking about a 22-year-old who made waves in La Liga, not just another name passing through the rumour mill.

What’s exciting is the timing. With Champions League football potentially returning to St James’ Park and Eddie Howe building a side around energy and invention, Veiga could slot in perfectly. He’s got the creativity they sometimes lack in the final third and wouldn’t cost the earth either, which is ideal given FFP constraints.

The switch in representation is a major signal — he wants back into the European spotlight, and if Newcastle get this right, they could land a player who’ll grow with the project. Of course, Wolves and Forest can offer minutes, but Newcastle can offer a project that’s going places.