Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up a summer transfer swoop for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabriel Veiga. With a potential fire sale on the horizon, the Red Devils are said to be preparing for the possible departures of midfielders Scott McTominay and Fred, and are seeking new options in the centre of the pitch.
While Jude Bellingham has been a long-term target for the club, they are also said to be considering Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, and are even willing to pay Bayern Munich’s newly-raised £35m asking price for Marcel Sabitzer in order to keep him at Old Trafford.
But according to a report from AS (via Sport Witness), United are also keen on Veiga, who is set to leave Celta Vigo this summer with the La Liga side willing to accept bids of €40m (£36m). The 20-year-old has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season with the Spanish club, having contributed nine goals and four assists in 27 league appearances, primarily in a central midfield role.
Veiga’s statistics over the past year show that he has averaged 0.46 non-penalty goals per 90, placing him in the 99th percentile compared to his positional peers, while he is also in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons. Although he has yet to establish himself over a longer period of time like Bellingham has, Veiga has averaged more goals, assists, and progressive passes per 90 than the Borussia Dortmund star in the past year.
Pundits and scouts alike have praised the young Spaniard, with football scout Jacek Kulig calling him “amazing”. While Veiga will first need to find new representation after parting ways with his agent, should a move to the Premier League appeal to him, Manchester United are said to be firmly in the picture.
If the Red Devils are looking for a promising young midfielder with the potential to make a significant impact in the near future, Gabriel Veiga may just be the answer they’re looking for.
