Report: Newcastle in talks over £200k-a-week transfer from Saudi Pro League | OneFootball

Newcastle Plot Ambitious Gabri Veiga Move Amid Midfield Shake-Up

Eye on Creativity as Veiga Becomes a Target

Newcastle United are laying the groundwork for what could be one of the more intriguing transfer manoeuvres of the summer. According to Foot Mercato, the Magpies have initiated contact with the representatives of Gabri Veiga, a player once seen as the crown jewel of Spanish football’s next generation. At 22, his decision to swap Celta Vigo for Al-Ahli raised eyebrows across Europe. A return now feels like the resumption of an interrupted promise.

Eddie Howe’s side are reportedly keen to bring Veiga to St James’ Park ahead of a season that could involve a return to Champions League football. With seven goals and five assists across 30 games in the Saudi Pro League this term, the Spaniard hasn’t faded into obscurity — if anything, he’s sharpened his offensive toolkit.

Tyneside Advantage and Saudi Links

What gives Newcastle an edge in this particular race is their established relationship with Al-Ahli. The sale of Allan Saint-Maximin in 2023 paved the way for smooth dialogue between the clubs. More than that, the shared Saudi ownership structure could prove pivotal. Negotiations over wages — Veiga reportedly commands £200,000 a week — may prove less of a stumbling block for Newcastle than for Atletico Madrid or a nostalgic but less liquid Celta Vigo.

Photo: IMAGO

Veiga’s Redemption Arc in European Football

What’s striking is the subtext: this is not a star fading; this is a star biding his time. Veiga’s Saudi stint was never about retreat — it was recalibration. With Spain’s national team still out of reach and his prime years ahead, a Premier League platform could provide the visibility and stage he needs.

For Newcastle, signing Veiga would represent a melding of potential and pragmatism. He’s young, proven, and familiar with pressure — ingredients Howe will need in abundance if he’s to meet the club’s elevated ambitions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Newcastle fan’s perspective, this feels like a timely and ambitious link. Gabri Veiga is the sort of player we’ve lacked in our midfield for years — someone who can both dictate tempo and add end product. While some fans were baffled by his initial move to Saudi, there’s no denying his numbers. Seven goals, five assists, and that Champions League medal show he hasn’t stagnated.

With Tonali’s situation up in the air and players like Almiron having moved on, we need depth and variety in that middle third. Bruno Guimarães is quality, but he can’t do it alone. Veiga could complement him perfectly.

The salary is eye-watering, but if the Saudi connection helps offset it, this deal becomes realistic. And let’s be honest — if we’re serious about being in the top four again, these are the kinds of deals we have to entertain. Young, hungry, technical. That’s the profile. If Howe can get this over the line, it might be one of the smartest bits of business this summer.