Darmstadt, Germany - March 25: Gabriel Veiga of Spain controls the ball during the U21 international friendly match between U21 Germany and U21 Spain at Stadion am Boellenfalltor on March 25, 2025 in Darmstadt, Germany. (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Newcastle have finally built a squad that is ready to compete for silverware and European football, but maintaining their progress will require reinvestment this summer.
On the pitch, the Magpies are one game away from confirming their spot in the Champions League next season with a clash at St James’ Park against Everton this weekend.
They will need to take all three points from their hosting duties on Sunday to ensure they are not relying on other teams to drop points in the race for a place in the elite European competition.
A victory over the Blues would put the cherry on top of a perfect season for the Geordies, after earning their first major trophy in 70 years back in March, and Eddie Howe will be keen to keep the celebrations going with a top-five finish in the Premier League.
Off the pitch, sporting director Paul Mitchell will be gearing up for a busy summer transfer window with incomings and outgoings expected in equal measure.
Taking the current squad to the next level in preparation for a much more congested fixture schedule will be imperative; adding quality and depth to every area of the pitch while also offloading players who have become surplus to requirements to boost transfer funds.
According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle are battling with Atletico Madrid to sign Al-Ahli attacking midfielder Gabri Veiga this summer.
The report claims that the 22-year-old is attracting interest despite him being in contract until June 2026 with the Saudi Pro League club, and the Magpies are one of the clubs keen on securing his signature.
Should Newcastle sign Gabri Veiga?
Before heading to Saudi, Veiga was one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe and if he is looking for a return this summer, it would be no surprise to see strong competition for his signature.
Despite being known for his prowess in his attacking midfield role, the Spain U21’s sensation – once hailed “highly talented” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – has a wealth of experience in a more central role but, when needed, can also operate on the left wing of the attacking threat.
Over 30 Saudi Pro League appearances, the talented Spaniard has scored seven goals, registered five assists and created eight big chances from his role in the centre of the pitch, with outstanding strengths noted in high pressing, long balls and playmaking, as per SofaScore.
A move for Veiga is likely to depend on Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff’s future at the club, however, there is no doubt that the young talent would be a more than worthy successor to either of the Newcastle duo.
The talented midfielder could become another one of the youthful prodigies developed under Howe, polishing his craft in a box-to-box role where he can offer something very different to Joelinton, playing alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
With that being said, it would be interesting to see how much Al-Ahli would command to part ways with their young star this summer and whether Newcastle will prioritise additional depth in midfield if the opportunity arises to sign Veiga.
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