One space that seems to be in want of strengthening for Newcastle United this summer time is in central midfield, with Eddie Howe’s facet at the moment trying fairly skinny on the bottom when it comes to choices in that division.
The choice to permit Jonjo Shelvey to affix relegation strugglers Nottingham Forest has solely exacerbated the shortage of midfield depth, therefore the necessity for the Magpies to strengthen their ranks sufficiently if they’re to proceed subsequent season once more.
It appears the Tynesiders have already recognized a attainable answer to that downside within the type of Celta Vigo star Gabriel ‘Gabri’ Veiga, with stories on the continent having spoken of the Premier League facet’s curiosity.
As a Spanish outlet claimed earlier this week, the St James’ Park outfit – in addition to each Manchester United and Actual Madrid – look like conserving tabs on the promising Spaniard, following what has been a exceptional breakthrough marketing campaign for the 20-year-old in La League.
One other outlet – AS (by way of Sports activities Witness ) – beforehand revealed that Newcastle had despatched scouts to look at the teenager in motion, with the highest 4 hopefuls stated to be “one of the ” in buying the playmaker’s providers.
The Spain Beneath-21 worldwide is unlikely to return low-cost for any suitors, as he reportedly has a €40m (£35m) launch clause in his present deal.
What’s Gabri Veiga’s model of play?
The 6-foot sensation – who has risen via Celta’s youth ranks – has the flexibility to characteristic on the wings, but has usually lined up in an attacking midfield position in his embryonic profession thus far, notably sharing plenty of stylistic and statistical similarities. with present Magpies star Joe Willock, in keeping with FBref.
That similarity is indicated by the truth that the 2 males each provide a really forward-thinking and dynamic midfield method, with Willock amassing 73 progressive passes and 57 progressive objectives thus far this season, whereas Veiga is simply behind when it comes to appearances. 41 and 66 for a similar two measures, respectively.
That willingness to get ahead had additionally been proven by the truth that the latter man ranks within the prime 5% in Europe of these in place for contact within the attacking penalty space, whereas the previous Arsenal man – who arrived within the North East on an preliminary mortgage settlement as early as February 2021 – ranks within the prime 1% in that regard.
Such a comparability each bodes properly for the impression the Spaniard may make on Tyneside, with Willock at the moment thriving after beginning 20 Premier League video games this season, having obtained reward for his type from supervisor Howe, who already stated in January:
“He’s very athletic, has an eye fixed for aim, technically excellent and tactically he’s enhancing.”
With the ability to recruit an identical determine within the type of Veiga would definitely elevate the extent of competitors in Howe’s squad, with the rising gem glowing this season with eight objectives and three assists from his 23 appearances within the Spanish prime flight.
One “fascinating box-to-box midfielder” – as described by expertise scout Jacek Kulig – the extremely sought-after ace has undoubtedly motivated such curiosity. It has been his superb scorching streak thus far this season, having produced a “unbelievable efficiency“, in keeping with Kulig, in opposition to Actual Valladolid final month.
Whereas Newcastle will clearly have a battle on their arms to land the Willock-like star, a summer time swoop may properly grow to be an actual masterstroke.
