Real Madrid Star Toni Kroos Criticized Chelsea’s Target Gabri Veiga Potential Saudi Move As Embarrassing

Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos has slammed Chelsea transfer target Gabri Veiga ahead of a proposed transfer to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

The 21-year-old Celta Vigo midfielder has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the course of the transfer window as an option to replace Mason Mount.

Reports understood that Veiga was indeed a target for the Blues, but not a priority over the course of the market.

Their focus instead switched to finding players that would complement pushing Enzo Fernandez into a more advanced role in the midfield.

It took months of preparation, twists and turns, but the recruitment team eventually landed their ideal top two targets for those roles.

The first was Moises Caicedo, who was engulfed in a transfer tug of war between Chelsea and Liverpool at the end, but his preference for the west London club prevailed as they sealed a British transfer record £115million switch.

There would be yet another showdown between the Blues and the Reds to follow.

As a result, Veiga appears to no longer be a target, though plenty of other clubs have been linked with the midfielder this summer.

The youngster impressed for Celta Vigo, scoring some crucial goals to keep them in La Liga last season, including a brace against Barcelona on the final day.

While a rise to the top seemed on the cards, he appears to have traded that in for a move to the fast growing Saudi Pro League.

That’s because Fabrizio Romano reports that the midfielder is set to join Al-Ahli in a deal worth £34million, with the move itself verbally agreed.

Interestingly, it seems as though veteran midfield star Kroos wasn’t best impressed with the decision, commenting on Romano’s post with: “Embarrassing”.
It clearly shows his thoughts towards the league and the player’s decision to make such a transfer at such a young age.

That differs from the view given by former Chelsea and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who currently manages Celta Vigo.

Discussing the move, he said: “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.”

It remains to be seen just how crucial such a deal is in the longer lasting success of the league and their ability to compete, but many are still critical of the reasons behind it.