£35m player Newcastle were ‘close’ to signing three months ago is now set for shock move

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Whether it was Newcastle, Liverpool or Chelsea, it looked certain that Gabri Veiga was going to head to the Premier League this summer.

The Celta Vigo sensation was a man in demand following a breakout year in La Liga, and was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park.

There were multiple stories claiming that Eddie Howe’s side were willing to activate his £35million release clause, then Spanish outlet Marca took it one step further when they said that Veiga was actually close to signing for the Magpies.

That turned out not to be the case, despite the Spaniard being a player who Newcastle officials thought had huge potential.

He then looked like he was going to sign for Chelsea, then recently a move to Napoli appeared to be on the cards for the 21-year-old.

Now he is going to be on the move, and the destination is rather shocking.

Gabri Veiga set to sign for Al Ahli

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Veiga is going to leave Celta Vigo and sign for Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli.

He states that Al Ahli have had a bid accepted, while they have also agreed personal terms with the attacking midfielder.

It is a staggering move for a player so young. Saudi clubs have tended to sign older players who are perhaps no longer in their prime, bar the odd exception. For example, Allan Saint-Maximin and Ruben Neves have both gone despite being in their mid 20s.

But for a majorly talented 21-year-old to move there is shocking.

Veiga will link up with some top quality players, including the aforementioned Saint-Maximin. He will also play alongside Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino at Al Ahli.

Given his potential and the amount of suitors he had, it is incredible to see Veiga taking his talents to Saudi Arabia at such a young age.