Liverpool are said to be “firm favourites” to acquire Celta Vigo prodigy Gabri Veiga this summer, despite competition from many other prominent European clubs
This is according to a recent report from the Northern Echo, who states that while Newcastle United are still interested in the Spaniard, Liverpool have the upper hand and might execute a swoop this summer following a disappointing season that has highlighted the need for new faces.
The contracts of James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain expire this month, and while Alexis Mac Allister has been signed from Brighton & Hove Albion for £35 million, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is looking for two more additions.
According to the aforementioned report, while Veiga is under contract with his LaLiga club until 2026, he has a €40 million (£34 million) release clause, and with Chelsea and Real Madrid among the lucrative pool of suitors, Liverpool could secure one of the most coveted prospects in European football by signing him.
Gabri Veiga‘s performance in Liverpool?
Anfield would only gain from bringing in Veiga, who scored 11 goals and provided four assists in just 28 games in his first full season in the Premier League, and was dubbed “dangerous” by journalist Euan McTear for his exploits.
According to FBref, the Sky Blues midfielder ranks among the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for rate of non-penalty goals, top 20% for rate of assists, top 12% for progressive carries, and top 12% for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, and has been dubbed a “gem” by Romano.
Forward-thinking midfielders like Veiga would benefit from such a bright and all-encompassing talisman, with the £120k-per-week ace projected to flourish “in the [Roberto] Firmino role” by Richard Jolly.
Indeed, Gakpo ranks among the top 10% of forwards in terms of assist rate, top 17% in terms of shot-creating actions, top 8% in terms of progressive passes, and top 15% in terms of successful take-ons per 90 minutes, demonstrating the selfless work that allows teammates to receive and increase opportunities in attacking transition.
And, with Veiga dubbed “baby Kaka” by football content producer Rimedi, it’s apparent that the nimble-limbed pair could weave between one other in intricate, sinuous patterns with the balance and elegance of ballroom dancers and the nimble-limbed accuracy of a renowned sculptor.
It may be a match made in heaven, and one for which Liverpool’s technical director, Jorg Schmadtke, will have to strive relentlessly; it could be the start of a glorious new era on Merseyside.
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