Transfer Centre

Napoli 'beat Chelsea, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain to Gabri Veiga signing'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 18 August 2023

Napoli 'beat Chelsea, Liverpool, PSG to Gabri Veiga signing'

Napoli reportedly agree a deal to sign Celta Vigo protege Gabri Veiga, who was also wanted by Liverpool, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

Napoli have reportedly won the race to sign in-demand Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga.

The Spain Under-21 international has been the subject of an intense transfer tussle this summer after enjoying a breakthrough La Liga campaign in the 2022-23 season.

Veiga came up with 11 goals and four assists in 36 top-flight matches, and his form also earned him a place in Spain's Under-21 European Championships squad, where his nation lost to England in the final.

The 6ft 1in midfielder remains contracted to Celta Vigo for another three seasons, but Rafael Benitez's side will be powerless to prevent him moving on to pastures new for the right price.

All of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are reported to have shown an interest in Veiga, but according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Serie A champions Napoli will be his next destination.

Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga on February 12, 2023 © Reuters

Romano claims that Rudi Garcia's side will pay €36m (£30.8m) to sign Veiga, who will soon undergo his medical tests with the Scudetto holders once all the documents are prepared.

Celta will receive an upfront fee of €30m (£25.6m) for their midfield protege, while another €6m (£5.1m) could be pocketed via performance-related bonuses.

Napoli are supposedly hopeful of sealing Veiga's signature by the end of the week, although Saturday's Serie A opener with Frosinone will likely come too soon for him to make his debut.

The 21-year-old will end his lengthy association with Celta Vigo to join Napoli, having progressed through the youth ranks with his boyhood club to make 56 appearances in all competitions.

While Chelsea and Liverpool will concede defeat in the race for Veiga, the two Premier League sides have been prioritising other midfield acquisitions over the past few weeks, allowing Napoli a clear run at the Spaniard's signature.

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia warms up in January 2023 © Reuters

On Friday morning, Chelsea confirmed the signing of 19-year-old Belgium international Romeo Lavia in a £58m deal from Southampton, only a few days after capturing Moises Caicedo in a British-record £115m deal from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Blues are still thought to be on the lookout for more incomings despite their significant outlay, but a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal is currently seen as more of a pressing issue than bringing in more midfielders.

Liverpool had bids accepted for Lavia and Caicedo before the pair opted to join Chelsea, dealing the Reds a double blow in their efforts to find a successor to Fabinho in the number six role.

However, Liverpool are now believed to be on the verge of signing Stuttgart and Japan lynchpin Wataru Endo, and confirmation of a €19m (£16.2m) deal is expected in the coming hours.

Mario Lemina, Boubacar Kamara, Cheick Doucoure and Sofyan Amrabat are also being linked with moves to Anfield as part of the Reds' summer midfield rejig.