Spain talent Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia

Eighth star entry from Europe

The German coach Matthias Jaissle can welcome the eighth well-known newcomer from Europe to Al-Ahli SFC. Spanish Under-21 international Gabri Veiga (21), long courted by Napoli, has signed a three-year contract with the newly promoted Saudis and will play alongside Riyad Mahrez (32), Roberto Firmino (31) and Franck Kessié (26).

The transfer fee for Veiga is said to be around 40 million euros, which should correspond to the youngster’s exit clause at Celta Vigo. Al-Ahli’s expenses thus rise to 183.2 million euros, in history only one promoted player in the world has ever spent more money on the transfer market. Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest invested €195.3m last season.

Newcomers to Al-Ahli and Burnley: Newcomers with the highest transfer spend

20 Huddersfield (2017/18): €56.8m

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As of August 26, 2023

19 Norwich (2021/22): €63.6m

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18 Sunderland (2007/08): €64.3m

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17 Brighton (2017/18): €66.5m

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16 Juventus (2007/08): €69.5m

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15 Fulham FC (2022/23): €71.2m

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14 Sheffield United (2019/20): €72.5m

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13 TJ Tianhai (2016/17): €75 million

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12 Hebei FC (2015/16): €77.9m

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11 Watford (2015/16): €82.8m

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10 Bournemouth (2022/23): €83.1m

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9 RB Leipzig (2016/17): €96m

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8 Burnley FC (2023/24): €111.1m

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7 Wolves (2018/19): €112.8m

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6 Fulham (2018/19): €116.5m

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5 Leeds (2020/21): €127.8m

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4 Aston Villa (2019/20): €159.5m

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3 AS Monaco (2013/14): €160.7m

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2 Al-Ahli SFC (2023/24): €183.2m

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1 Nottingham (2022/23): €195.3m

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The step into the desert is also financially worthwhile for Veiga, he should earn 12.5 million euros net at Al-Ahli in the future – four times as much as the sum that Napoli is said to have offered. The central midfielder was one of the rising stars in Spain last season. In 36 LaLiga games he has had 15 goals. At the end of June 2022, his market value was estimated at EUR 1.5 million, after his leap to the professionals, the right-footed player increased it to EUR 30 million.

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