Manchester City and Real Madrid are reportedly showing an interest in signing Al-Ahli midfield starlet and former La Liga protege Gabri Veiga.
The 22-year-old memorably burst onto the scene with Celta Vigo a couple of years ago, and he was expected to take the step-up to Premier League football soon after.
However, in a transfer that shocked the European landscape, the up-and-coming Veiga snubbed the chance to continue his rise in Europe and joined the Saudi Pro League revolution with Al-Ahli.
The Spaniard joined the Gulf state giants for £24.9m in the summer of 2023, since when he has contributed eight goals and five assists for his new club in 39 matches, including four goals and one assist in 19 games this term.
Veiga initially made a name for himself as a central playmaker, but he has since played predominantly off the left for Al-Ahli, although the Saudi side only have him under contract until the summer of 2026.
Veiga 'on agenda' of Man City, Real Madrid
The 22-year-old only signed a three-year contract upon his arrival in the Middle East, and if no renewal is signed, Al-Ahli will likely have to consider offloading him in the summer of 2025.
According to Estadio Deportivo, both Man City and Real Madrid have been alerted to Veiga's situation and could try to tempt him back to Europe next year, although he will not push for an exit from Al-Ahli.
The report adds that injuries and being played out of position have both contributed to the midfielder's underwhelming time in Saudi Arabia, and 'authoritative voices' have noticed his plateau.
Veiga has continued to represent Spain's Under-21s while in Saudi Arabia, but he is yet to make his senior debut for the European champions and recently admitted that he was starting to feel homesick.
"I hope that in the future we can meet again. From the first moment that feeling of homesickness will be there and until the last day," Veiga told Radio Galega. "You never know in the future. You have to focus on the present, take it day by day."
Could Man City have the edge over Real in Veiga race?
Veiga's comments about missing his native Spain would seemingly give Real Madrid an immediate advantage in their pursuit of the 22-year-old, but if it is regular game time he is after, he may wish to look elsewhere.
The Spain Under-21 international will most likely hope to revert to his favoured number 10 role at his new club, but Jude Bellingham is the undisputed first choice in that position at Real Madrid, while Brahim Diaz is also vying for minutes in that slot.
However, the number 10 position at Man City could become vacant if Kevin De Bruyne seeks pastures new in the summer of 2025, as the experienced Belgian is now in the final year of his Citizens contract.
A big-money move to Saudi Arabia has also been mooted for De Bruyne, who recently provided a fresh update on his contract situation at Man City after talks were placed on hold due to his fitness problems.
