In a surprising turn of events, Gabri Veiga, once highly coveted by Arsenal and Napoli, has committed his future to Saudi club Al Ahli.

The young midfielder’s £34 million transfer marks a milestone, making it the most lucrative sale in Celta Vigo‘s history.

• Gabri Veiga chose Al Ahli over Arsenal and Napoli, highlighting the increasing pull of Saudi Arabian football.
• The £34 million deal is a landmark for Celta Vigo, surpassing the club’s previous high-profile transfers.
• Veiga’s sudden rise and his move to Al Ahli indicate a shift in global football dynamics, with the Saudi club also signing talents like Franck Kessié.

It appears that the ambitions of Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, who once dreamt of joining Arsenal, have steered him towards the Middle East.

Veiga has inked a three-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, in a deal formalised in Paris, where he also underwent a medical examination.

The contract, valued at £34 million, surpasses previous high-profile transfers by Celta, such as those involving Maxi Gomez and Stanislav Lobotka.

The ascent of Veiga within international football’s ranks has been remarkable.

Scouted initially by Arsenal and eyed later by Napoli, his decision to commit to Al Ahli is indicative of the sport’s global evolution.

A strong talent from Celta’s youth academy, Veiga’s professional journey kicked off during the pandemic when he played a friendly match against Oviedo.

His performance, particularly under the guidance of Portuguese coach Carlos Carvalhal, who nurtured him to score 11 goals and four assists, was indeed promising.

In a press release, Celta Vigo expressed respect for Veiga’s new sporting endeavour and thanked him for his “dedication, commitment and behaviour” throughout his tenure with the team.

The club’s President Carlos Mouriño stated that Veiga would always find the door open for a return.

The deal was finalised between the two clubs in the early hours of Friday in Paris, where Veiga was already present for his medical examination.

The midfielder is expected to join an Al Ahli squad that already features big names like Franck Kessié and Ryad Mahrez.

This transfer eclipses the previous record fees received by Celta Vigo for Maxi Gomez and Stanislav Lobotka.

It represents a significant windfall for the Spanish club and an investment in their future.

Veiga’s move also shows the growing influence of Saudi Arabian teams in global football, who have made signings not just from traditional European powers but also rising talents like Veiga.