Gabri Veiga Returns to Europe as Porto Signs €15m Deal

FC Porto has signed Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga from Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The deal is worth €15 million, plus extra payments, and medical tests are planned.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Porto has agreed with Al Ahli to bring Gabri Veiga to their team. The deal is worth €15 million plus additional payments, making it a big signing for Porto. Veiga, 22, returns to Europe after two years in Saudi Arabia. He moved there from Celta Vigo in 2023. With one year left on his contract at Al Ahli, Veiga has agreed to terms with Porto. Medical tests are scheduled to finalize the transfer.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Veiga’s move to Porto is a big career choice. He is reportedly taking a 90% pay cut to return to Europe. At Al Ahli, he earned about €12 million a year, but at Porto, he’ll earn around €1.2 million – over €10 million less. FC Porto president André Villas-Boas made the deal happen. He has been open about wanting Veiga at the club, and praised the player’s willingness to give up a lot of money to join Porto.

VEIGA’S TIME IN SAUDI ARABIA

In Saudi Arabia, Veiga played 65 games for Al Ahli, scoring 12 goals. He helped them win the Asian Champions League this month. Al Ahli bought Veiga from Celta Vigo for €30 million, so they’re making a big loss by selling him for half that amount. But Al Ahli will keep a 35% stake in any future sale, which could help them get more money back if Veiga’s value goes up.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PORTO?

Porto wants Veiga to be ready for the FIFA Club World Cup. They are using a special transfer window from June 1 to June 10. Porto hopes Veiga will strengthen their midfield for this big competition. Under team president Villas-Boas, Porto is making ambitious transfers. Signing a talented young midfielder like Veiga, who was linked with Premier League teams like Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Wolves, shows Porto’s strength in the European transfer market.