It was an off-field decision back in April that more than hinted at Gabri Veiga's days being numbered at Celta Vigo.
Having been represented by Intermedia Sport for the fledgling days of his career, the then 20-year-old ended his relationship with the agency in March, which began something of a behind-the-scenes chase to secure representation for one of the brightest talents in La Liga.
"The one who gets his signature will not only take a millionaire commission within a few months, but they will have in their hands one of the greatest football promises on the national and international scene," wrote Madrid-based publication Relevo at the time.
Jorge Mendes - one of the most high-profile agents in world football - reportedly wanted Veiga as part of a stable that also contains Liverpool stars such as Darwin Nunez, Fabinho and Diogo Jota, while Alejandro Camano, who looks after the interests of Lautaro Martinez and Acraf Hakimi among others, was also keen.
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In the end, the Spain Under-21 starlet penned terms with Pini Zahavi in April, the Israeli agent who, like Mendes, is one of the most well-known in football. The decision to sever ties with his previous agency and sign on with Zahavi's Gol International was a big indicator that a summer move will be on the offing for Veiga.
By then, his talents had alerted a host of Europe's top clubs including Real Madrid and Chelsea, while Newcastle United, with their new-found Saudi riches and Champions League status, are also said to hold an interest.
The ECHO understands Liverpool are looking at Veiga this summer as they continue to rebuild their midfield department following the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for a £35m fee earlier this month.
Dubbed 'the young pearl' of Celta, Veiga finished his campaign with an impressive output of 11 goals and four assists in total that included a brace against Barcelona earlier this month to seal a 2-1 win and avoid La Liga relegation.
Tears streamed down Veiga's face as he and his team-mates celebrated their avoidance of demotion on June 4 and if it is to be his last appearance at Balaidos, it was a fitting end.
"We don't want to sell under any circumstances but they are going to buy [Veiga] from us," admitted Celta president Carlos Mourino. "We know some of the offers, we wouldn't be able to pay him what other teams do.
"Gabri has Celta feeling and will always have the doors open but it will depend exclusively on him and what they are offering him is irresistible. He will decide where he wants to go but that club will have to pay the clause.
"Of the top 10 teams in the Premier League, four have asked. For us, it's not for sale. We refer to the clause. We have nothing to negotiate with anyone."
That release clause is believed to stand at around £35m and its existence offers Liverpool the opportunity to tread the same path they did with Mac Allister earlier this month.
Release clauses make transfers a much smoother process, particularly for the buying club and, crucially, for a club like Liverpool who are run by the FSG-imposed self-sufficient model, eliminates the prospect of bidding wars and rising asking prices.
A sale for Veiga this summer will see Celta receive their biggest-ever transfer fee and if the player himself is wrestling with who to choose from in an apparently lengthy list of suitors, his colleague at Balaidos, Iago Aspas, is well placed to inform him all about the expectations at Anfield.
It was reported recently in Spanish media that Liverpool were winning the race for Veiga's signature due to the lure of working with Klopp and the faith and opportunities the Reds manager affords younger players.
“In my career I’ve only seen one or two players who have the characteristics of Veiga,” said Celta coach Carlos Carvalhal last season. "He is a very complete player. He has a different profile to all the other midfielders in Spain, who are usually about touch and possession. Gabri breaks games open."
Veiga was said to have been on the cusp of senior international recognition back in March but after just missing out on a call-up, the Celta man will now be tasked with playing for his nation at the Under-21 European Championships in Romania and Georgia for the rest of this month.
A key aspect of Veiga's game that will intrigue Jurgen Klopp and his staff is the goalscoring ability he possesses. That has rarely been a key demand or requirement for those tasked with patrolling the engine room at Anfield but it would be a hugely welcome skill, should he move to Merseyside.
Only Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala scored more than Veiga's total of 11 for midfielders aged 20 or under across Europe's top five leagues and his total of 29 shots on target was the most from midfield in La Liga last time out.
“He is not like Xavi or Iniesta, because he is not that kind of player who likes to 'tiki-taka' or constantly take the ball, he prefers direct play," says Transfermarkt's Spanish content manager Ivan Fuente. “He has the ability and physical attributes to thrive in both areas, a kind of box-to-box midfielder. He has a great pass and his shot is very powerful. I think his favourite position is in front of the defensive midfielder."
With the door open to all-comers in what could be a new-look Liverpool midfield next season, the goalscoring Veiga could yet bring something that has not been seen for quite some time under Klopp.
When you can see Veiga in action for Spain's U21s: Spain v Romania, June 21, Spain v Croatia, June 24, Spain v Ukraine, June 27. All kick-off times are 7.45pm.
