Manchester City and Real Madrid are eyeing deal for Al-Ahli's Gabri Veiga

Manchester City and Real Madrid are presumably interested in Gabri Veiga as he nears the end of his lucrative Al-Ahli contract.

Veiga's move from Celta Vigo to Al-Ahli for €30 million (£25 million/$32 million) on a three-year contract made international headlines at the age of 21. The unexpected decision stunned many, including Real Madrid's Toni Kroos, who openly condemned the deal as "shameful." However, according to ED, Veiga is attracting interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid and might return to Europe if everything comes into place next summer.

Manchester City and Real Madrid eyeing deal for Al-Ahli midfielder Gabri Veiga as he approaches final 18 months of lucrative contract.

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Following a difficult start to his time in Saudi Arabia, Veiga has found his footing in the 2024/25 season. He has been a consistent figure in Matthias Jaissle's plans, appearing in 15 of the team's 17 matches across all competitions. To date, the 22-year-old has four goals and one assist, highlighting his value to Al-Ahli.

Despite his on-field success, rumors of homesickness and a future return to Europe linger. Speaking to Radio Galega, the Spanish midfielder acknowledged, "That feeling of homesickness will be present from the start and will last until the end. You never know what the future holds; you must focus on the present and take things one day at a time."

With only 18 months remaining on his contract, the next six months are considered to be crucial in determining Veiga's long-term goals. Both Manchester City and Real Madrid apparently see the offensive midfielder as a desirable prospect, upping the stakes for Al-Ahli to either extend his contract or prepare for a possible departure. He will face Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League on Monday.