Gabri Veiga 'will leave' Celta Vigo this summer after netting twice on the final day of the season to defeat Barcelona and secure survival. That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claim the La Liga champions along with Premier League clubs are 'keen' to sign the rising star with a release clause in the region of £35 million.
Reports from Spain last week suggested Veiga was 'very close' to signing for Newcastle United, despite links to Liverpool and Real Madrid. The 21-year-old's breakout season finished with 11 goals and 4 assists, with his brace at the Estadio de Balaídos on Sunday proving crucial in securing Celta's top-flight status.
Veiga opened the scoring three minutes before the break, beating former Chelsea duo Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen for pace and finding the bottom corner of the net. The attacking midfielder doubled the hosts' lead in the 65th minute, with his cross evading everyone including substitute goalkeeper Inaki Pena Sotorres.
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Ansu Fati did pull one back for Barcelona, but Celta held on for a priceless victory against the champions. Carlos Carvahal's side could have been relegated with defeat and if results elsewhere had gone against them, but ended up sealing a 13th-placed finish.
Veiga was withdrawn in the 71st minute, and his emotional reaction to the standing ovation has only strengthened the view of it being his farewell appearance. The academy graduate was in tears as he came off the pitch, and again at the full-time whistle as the home team and crowd celebrated beating the drop.
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