Newcastle United’s ‘confirmed’ transfer target has already cast doubt over summer exit

Newcastle United continue to be linked with Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga, but by the player’s own admission, a deal may not be easy to pull off.

The Magpies are likely to strengthen again this summer, especially given how likely they are secure European football, be it the Champions League or the Europa League. But up until now, they have placed plenty of emphasis on landing young talent that can make a difference in the long term, as well as pushing for a spot in the immediate.

One young player reportedly attracting attention from Newcastle is Celta Vigo star Veiga, a 20-year-old attacking midfielder who has played a prominant role in Galicia this season under Carlos Carvajal. According to Atlántico, Newcastle have ‘confirmed’ their interest in signing the creative youngster.

Veiga is under contract until 2026 at Celta, but his deal does include a release clause worth £35.2million. Should Newcastle activate that release clause, there’s little Celta can do to stop Veiga from leaving, aside from offering a new contract with a greater release clause. Though, the La Liga club already know they can’t compete with many of the linked sides when it comes to wages.

Beyond Newcastle, a number of European sides are being linked with a move, but there is some hope Celta can hold onto this summer, and that hope comes from Veiga’s comments during an interview with SER earlier this year. During the interview, Veiga spoke of how his current club will ‘forever’ be his home, suggesting a decision to leave the club this summer wouldn’t be quite as cut and dry as some might expect.

“For me, Celta are everything, it’s my home. It has been all this time, it is and it will be forever,” said the midfielder. “I am eternally grateful because they have given me the opportunity to complete my dream.”

It would seem that even if Newcastle - or indeed another club - were to activate Veiga’s release clause this summer, there may still be plenty of persuation needed to pull off a transfer.