Real Madrid star Kroos blasts 'embarrassing' Saudi Pro League transfer

Suraj Radia

• 24 Aug 2023 12:09 BST
• 3 min read

The Saudi Arabian transfer revolution is set to continue with another shocking pull after Celta Vigo wonderkid Gabri Veiga rejected interest from Napoli to join Al-Ahli, causing a strong reaction in the footballing world.

Veiga was a breakout star in La Liga last season, grabbing 11 goals and four assists in his first full season in the Celta first team, prompting interest from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.

A number of teams were admiring Veiga, particularly due to an appealing release clause in his contract of €40 million, although no major sides had opted to activate it so far.

PROFILE: Who is Gabri Veiga?

However, Serie A champions Napoli had agreed a deal with Celta to sign Veiga for €36m and the 21-year-old was set for a medical in Italy before Al-Ahli’s approach.

The news proved to be a massive shock, with Veiga being the first major youngster to reject European interest to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, something which attracted criticism from fans – as well as players.

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos commented on a social media post announcing the move from Fabrizio Romano with a one-word response, calling the transfer ‘embarrassing’.

Kroos summing up the sentiment over Veiga

While the likes of Karim Benzema and Neymar have made lucrative transfers to Saudi Arabia this summer, few players that could be considered ‘in their prime’ have opted to pursue the riches, especially when the opportunity for a European move was available.

The likes of Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Allan Saint-Maximin all moved to the Saudi Pro League while in their mid-to-late 20s, however none had any offers from Europe materialise.

DONE DEALS: All the transfers from Saudi Pro League sides this summer

However, Kroos’ comment reflects a sentiment that appears to be common to many involved with football, with Veiga having broken into the Spain squad recently and being under consideration for a place at next year’s European Championships.

Celta boss Rafa Benitez was empathetic towards his player, saying: “It's a situation that changes his life and his family...even for his family it is an opportunity, we can't forget that."

"Given his age, he can return to play more competitive leagues. But perhaps the Saudi league will become competitive. It hurts but will also help our club financially.”