Newcastle United are reportedly set to beat Liverpool to the signing of Gabri Veiga, who Jurgen Klopp is believed to be a huge fan of.
According to Marca, the Magpies are closing in on the Celta Vigo talent as their first signing of the summer transfer window, with Newcastle expected to pay £26m to bring the Spanish youth international to St. James Park ahead of their return to Europe.
TeamTalk reported last month that Liverpool were viewed as the leading club for Veiga, with Klopp being stated as an admirer of the La Liga star and even stopping the youngster for a huge future. However, the Reds have now seemingly missed out on the midfielder.
With nine goals and four assists, Veiga firmly put himself on the footballing map this season with Celta, with Liverpool and Newcastle being joined by the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid in their interest in the Galicia-born 21-year-old.
However, despite plaudits from Klopp, it’s Newcastle who have won the race for Veiga. Yet with the Toon qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, it’s no real surprise why the midfielder has opted for Eddie Howe’s side over a move to Anfield this summer.
Newcastle move could be better in the long-term for Veiga than Liverpool
Veiga has enjoyed an explosive season in the Spanish top-flight, and the midfielder is now rightly being linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe ahead of the summer. However, whilst Liverpool could have been a good move for the 21-year-old, Newcastle could prove to be the perfect side.
With Champions League football returning to Newcastle, Veiga could become a regular for Howe in his maiden voyage in the competition. And given the English coach’s incredible record at developing players, the Spaniard could hit his exciting potential at St. James Park.
