Real Madrid News
Real Madrid battling Barcelona, Liverpool, Man United, City in pursuit of €40m midfielder
Gabri Veiga is enjoying a fine season at Celta Vigo, prompting some of the biggest clubs across Europe to take note. Real Madrid are understood to be hot on the trails of the 20-year-old midfielder, but have now been joined by arch-rivals Barcelona in pursuit, reports AS.
Apart from the two La Liga behemoths, Veiga is also attracting interest from Premier League bigwigs such as Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City while German champions Bayern Munich are also in the picture.
Veiga has enjoyed a solid season so far, scoring nine goals and setting up four more from 29 La Liga matches. His performances have not gone unnoticed at the Santiago Bernabeu, who are said to be keeping a close eye on his development despite some reports suggesting otherwise.
But Veiga’s signing was always going to be tricky for Los Blancos as they are planning on renewing the likes of Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric while they continue to pursue the signing of Jude Bellingham.
But, as far as the Englishman’s case is concerned, while things are going well in talks on the player’s side, the same cannot be said about negotiations with Borussia Dortmund. The German outfit wants €150 million for Bellingham and including commissions and salary, the deal could rise to enormous amounts.
Meanwhile, Veiga would be available for just €40 million – the amount of his release clause – this summer, almost a fourth of what Bellingham would cost. So, even though their profiles are not entirely similar, Real Madrid are considering a swoop for the Celta Vigo ace.
The 20-year-old fits with their recent recruitment strategy of young talents at a reasonable price. However, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich are all keen and have made contact with his entourage.
Now, Barcelona, too, have entered the fray and could look to sign Veiga if they are unable to re-sign Lionel Messi in the summer. It is claimed that club president Joan Laporta likes the 20-year-old and wants to beat Real Madrid to his signing.
Veiga is currently close to appointing Pini Zahavi as his new agent. The Israeli super-agent has good relationship with Barcelona having helped them sign Robert Lewandowski last year. He also has a good equation with Real Madrid, having facilitated David Alaba’s move in 2021.
While Real Madrid are prioritising a move for Bellingham, they do not want to lose out on Veiga either, especially with the possibility that he might end up joining their arch-rivals for a reasonable fee. So, it remains to be seen how things evolve in this story in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
