Unveiling the Enigmatic Gabri Veiga: The Spanish Midfielder Linked with Liverpool’s £34.5m Move

Liverpool’s active transfer window continues as they set their sights on Gabri Veiga following the recent acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister. The rumors gained traction when The Athletic’s trusted source, James Pearce, confirmed the Reds’ interest in the talented midfielder from Celta Vigo. Veiga’s release clause is estimated to be around £34.5 million, further fueling speculations about a potential move.

Scott Wilson, chief writer at the Northern Echo, provided insight that Liverpool is in the advanced stages of negotiations to secure the services of the promising young player. Veiga joins an extensive list of midfield targets, including Ryan Gravenberch, Khephren Thuram, Romeo Lavia, and Manu Kone, as Jurgen Klopp seeks to revamp his midfield options for the upcoming season.

But who exactly is Gabri Veiga?

Although not a household name among Reds fans, the 21-year-old midfielder has caught the attention of many with his recent performances. In the 2022/23 season, Veiga made 40 appearances for Celta Vigo, netting an impressive 11 goals across all competitions. His consistent displays earned him his first cap for Spain’s Under-21 national team as a late substitute against Japan in November.

Veiga rose through the ranks of Celta Vigo’s academy system before making his debut for the senior team in 2020. Renowned for his versatility, he can operate in various midfield roles, often excelling as a traditional center midfielder or an attacking midfielder, both domestically and internationally.

Analyzing his strengths and weaknesses, Veiga’s game intelligence, ball-carrying abilities, and defensive work ethic are standout attributes. Reds supporters will also be pleased with his eye for goal, a quality that could significantly bolster Liverpool’s midfield. Despite being adept at driving the ball forward, Veiga’s aggressive dribbling style sometimes leads to him losing possession, an area where he could seek improvement.

Football statisticians at FBref compare Veiga to Premier League midfielders like Eberechi Eze, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Joe Willock, highlighting his ability to complete progressive carries and take on opponents.

In terms of his role within Liverpool’s squad, Veiga is likely to occupy the right side of the midfield, while Mac Allister is anticipated to feature on the left. Last season, Klopp experimented with a three-at-the-back formation, deploying Trent Alexander-Arnold in an advanced position alongside Fabinho when in possession. In such a setup, Veiga would assume an even more attacking role, focusing on supporting the forwards by creating and scoring goals.

However, Liverpool faces competition from other top clubs vying for Veiga’s signature. Chelsea, Newcastle, Napoli, and Barcelona are reportedly interested in securing his services as well. As speculation surrounding Liverpool’s pursuit intensifies, it’s clear that the Reds are wasting no time in the summer transfer market. A second signing could materialize sooner than expected, showcasing the club’s determination to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.