Newcastle United closed last season with signs of ambition, but also with a number of question marks. Their qualification for European competition raised the bar, and the wear and tear of a short squad was exposed. Over the course of the campaign, injuries in key positions halted continuity of results, and that left manager Eddie Howe with few options in important stretches.
The midfield, in particular, showed shortcomings when players such as Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães were missing. With the summer transfer window on the horizon, all the indications are that the directors are looking to reinforce strategic areas of the team to avoid repeating mistakes of the recent past.
Newcastle United Want To Sign Gabri Veiga
In this regard, journalist Santi Aouna of Footmercato reported that the Magpies have Gabri Veiga in their sights. The Spanish midfielder, who plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, is on the list of possible signings. Newcastle are looking to persuade the player to return to Europe after an outstanding season in the Middle East. Veiga has seven goals and five assists, figures that reflect his attacking impact from midfield. The fact that he is entering the final year of his contract makes the move a financially viable opportunity.
The idea makes sense. Veiga can offer something different. His attacking profile, coupled with his good ball-playing ability, makes him useful for a Newcastle side that have lost clarity in the opposition half at times. He is not an established star, but he is a player with room for growth.
His performances in La Liga with Celta, before his departure for Arabia, left a mark. He has vision, good passing between the lines and the ability to be decisive in attack. In a team like Howe’s, where the team often depends on the qualities of Isak or Gordon, a midfielder with eye for goal and creativity can make a difference. Moreover, his age fits in with the club’s project, which combines experience with players who are growing.
Good Move For The Magpies?
From another point of view, one can also consider the risks of the operation. The Saudi league does not represent a competitive environment similar to that of England. There are reasonable doubts about how Veiga will respond to the physical pace of the Premier League.
It is not the same to excel in Arabia as to sustain a high performance against rivals like Manchester City or Liverpool. Another issue is cultural adaptation. Returning to Europe does not guarantee immediate success, and the pressurised environment at Newcastle has increased with European expectations. Is he ready to make that leap? Maybe he is. But it will be crucial to see how he responds mentally and whether Howe can find a place for him in his scheme.
Still, for the market value and the need Newcastle have in that area, the signing makes sense. It brings variety, increases internal competition and can be a gamble that, if well worked out, can offer a sustained return. It is not an operation to revolutionise the team, but to strengthen it intelligently.
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