Liverpool legend Rafa Benitez could ultimately prevent the Reds from signing transfer target Gabri Veiga. The Premier League side are reported to be interested in signing the midfielder, who caught the eye during a fantastic breakthrough campaign in La Liga.
Veiga’s eye for goal from midfield has attracted plenty of interest from across Europe. Liverpool are said to be leading the chase for the £34million-rated Celta Vigo starlet.
The Reds are overhauling their midfield this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister already added to Jurgen Klopp’s ranks. Liverpool’s midfielders struggled for form and fitness last term, while long-serving stars James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will leave at the end of June.
Veiga has been targeted as part of that refresh but Liverpool face competition from several other clubs for the 21-year-old’s signature. Newcastle are also rumoured to be interested as they prepare a squad for the Champions League.
Former Liverpool boss Benitez is set to have a major say in the transfer, though, and could decide to thwart the efforts of both his old clubs. The Spaniard – who also managed Newcastle – has been named as Celta Vigo’s new manager.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool have made an offer for Veiga and are willing to give the 11-goal star a whopping pay rise. The Spanish publication claims that a £95,000 contract offer is on the table should the two clubs agree a fee.
Veiga has a £34m release clause in his deal but no club is believed to have met that figure. Benitez may want the prolific midfielder to remain for another year, sign a new contract with a significantly higher release clause, and see Celta reap the benefits in a year’s time.
The Spanish club’s president, Carlos Mourino, has insisted that interested teams will need to meet the release clause to have any chance of signing Veiga. Mourino will not lose his best young player without a fight.
“The clauses are in place and it is one of the requirements of La Liga. We are not going to sell Gabri Veiga, but they are going to buy him from us,” he told radio station Cadena Ser.
“Nobody has to negotiate with us. We know that there are clubs that have called, but we don’t know who has spoken with Gabri Veiga. There were other teams that called us asking if we would give them a hand.”
Veiga would be an excellent addition at Liverpool – able to release the scoring burden from Klopp’s attackers. It remains to be seen if the Reds will meet the release clause, but they might be relying on the wishes of legendary former boss Benitez.
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