‘Porto set to beat Newcastle United to £17m signing’
Newcastle United look set to miss out on the signing of Gabri Veiga as the midfielder pushes for a return to Europe, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about Newcastle’s pursuit of the Al-Ahli midfielder.
Newcastle have had Veiga high on their transfer shortlist for some time and weren’t deterred by the Spaniard’s move to Saudi Arabia in 2023, alongside previous interest in Kalvin Phillips and Ruben Neves.
Veiga is now keen on a move back to a top European league two years after his surprise switch to the Middle East, and sources have told Football Insider that the Magpies are ready to rekindle their interest.
However, Football Insider sources have said that Porto are “in the box seat” to sign Veiga this summer, with the 22-year-old available for as little as £16million and now likely to make the move to Portugal.
Newcastle ‘beaten to the punch’ in £17m Gabri Veiga chase
Eddie Howe has made his desire clear for Newcastle to sign an attacking midfielder this summer, and this could become a necessity if Sandro Tonali successfully pushes for the exit door at St. James’ Park.
Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke said that Porto are firmly ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign Veiga, and could soon have his signature wrapped up for a modest transfer fee of just £17m.
“Newcastle have a long term interest… They were interested in signing him from Celta Vigo before he made that surprise move to the Saudi Pro League”, he told Football Insider.
“He is seeking a move back to Europe, so it’s no surprise that Newcastle are among those clubs linked with his services.
“But, it does seem right now that Porto are in the box seat… for around £16–17 million
“Obviously they’ll be hoping that Veiga decides to make that move to Portugal – rather than elsewhere across Europe – so it stands right now, it looks like Newcastle might be beaten to the punch.”
Newcastle to prioritise attacking midfielder transfer
Newcastle’s Premier League final day clash with Everton will decide if they’re playing Champions League football next season, and therefore if they’ll be able to keep both Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
Howe is still keen to add to his options in midfield though, and Football Insider revealed on 24 May that Newcastle lead the race to sign Dinamo Zagreb’s Martin Baturina for a similarly cut-price fee of £20m.
Veiga could well be beyond the Magpies’ reach for the second time, but with Newcastle set to move on the likes of Sean Longstaff, Howe could soon have the financial wriggle room to make a truly statement signing.