Gabri Veiga – a player Manchester City wanted to sign in the summer – has now spoken about his decision to move to Saudi Arabia.
The Spaniard was wanted by Pep Guardiola – according to the Guardian.
However, it was Al-Ahli who eventually won the race, sealing a £34m deal with Celta Vigo.
Now – when speaking to El Larguero – Gabri Veiga has revealed why he rejected Manchester City…
What’s the story?
Well, the 21-year-old is obviously going to be paid well in Saudi Arabia. Marca believe he will take home €10m-a-year (£8.6m) during his time at Al-Ahli.
However, Veiga has now claimed that he didn’t join the Saudi Pro League side purely for financial reasons.
The Spaniard said: “I did not join Saudi just for money. It was the best option to develop as a player, grow under a young coach, a team full of stars and in a league improving like the Saudi Pro League.”
Guardiola was keen to sign Veiga as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan after missing out on Declan Rice – according to the Guardian.
Nevertheless, a deal for the Spain Under-21 international was not to be, as he had other ideas in mind.
How Gabri Veiga has performed since Manchester City missed out
It is probably too early to describe Veiga as a bullet dodged for Manchester City – although his start to life in Saudi Arabia has not been anything to write home about.
The Porriño-born midfielder has failed to score in his six appearances for Al-Ahli so far this season, with just one assist to show for his efforts.
Veiga actually hit double figures for goals at Celta Vigo last term, impressively notching 11 goals and four assists across 36 appearances in La Liga.
If he is to replicate that in the Saudi Pro League this season, it will require a stunning run of form after his slow start.
