Toni Kroos Slams Highly Rated Spanish Midfielder for Saudi Arabia Move

Edwin Kiplagat

updated at August 24, 2023 at 12:33 PM

Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga is close to joining Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia's top flight
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos does not like that and has made his feelings known
Al-Ahli have signed top stars this summer including Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino

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Real Madrid star, Toni Kroos, has seemingly criticised Celta Vigo midfielder, Gabri Veiga’s imminent transfer to Saudi Pro League side, Al-Ahli.

Veiga had a breakout 2022/23 season, which attracted some top clubs in Europe, like Napoli and some in England. However, it appears Al-Ahli will seal the transfer of the youngster.

Gabri Veiga, Toni Kroos, Real Madrid, Celta Vigo, Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League — Gabri Veiga joins a long list of players from Europe who've moved to Saudi Arabia. Photos by Octavio Passos and Fran Santiago.
Source: Getty Images

Transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano reported that Celta Vigo had accepted a bid from the Saudi Arabian club. Veiga’s release clause is reportedly £34.4 million.

The 21-year-old is set to become the latest star from a European club to join Al-Ahli. This summer alone, they have signed Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Roger Ibanez, Allan Saint-Maximin, Franck Kessie, and Merih Derimal from European clubs.

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Moreover, top clubs in Saudi Arabia have signed some top players from European clubs, including Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Kroos blasts Veiga’s Al-Ahli move

Not everyone is happy about that. Under Romano’s report on Instagram, Kroos commented on the transfer news.

"Embarrassing," the World Cup winner stated.

Meanwhile, Celta Vigo coach, Rafael Benitez, welcomed the move.

“[The] Al-Ahli deal will change Gabri Veiga’s life in positive. It hurts but will also help our club financially. Going to Saudi at 20? It’s not just place for old players. I had Carrasco in China, then he returned and he’s playing UCL,” he said via Football London.