Toni Kroos has taken a swipe at former Manchester City target Gabri Veiga after the youngster decided to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
City have sought to reinforce their midfield this summer and have been linked with several names.
The treble winners began the summer transfer window by bringing in Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea, but since then they have tried and failed to sign the likes of Declan Rice, Lucas Paqueta and Gabri Veiga.
21-year-old Spanish midfielder Veiga was on City’s radar earlier this summer, but Pep Guardiola’s side ultimately decided not to pursue the £34m-rated playmaker.
Now, the talented youngster has made a surprising and unexpected career decision.
Kroos criticises Veiga
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Veiga has agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal from Celta Vigo.
Veiga’s boyhood club accepted an undisclosed offer on Wednesday and the youngster agreed personal terms.
The Spain U21 star had looked set to join Napoli after City’s interest cooled, but a move fell through after the club attempted to change the terms of the deal at the last minute.
Veiga was also linked with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Tottenham and Chelsea.
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos certainly isn’t impressed with Veiga’s decision, a player Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti once labeled “special”.
Replying to Fabrizio Romano’s Instagram post about the deal, he wrote: “Embarrassing.”
Whether or not Veiga’s decision to go to Saudi Arabia shows a lack of career ambition is up for debate.
But as Celta manager Rafa Benitez explained, the Saudi club presented an offer that neither club nor play could refuse.
“It is a situation that changes his life and his family for the better,” he said.
“It [his departure] hurts, but it will also help our club financially.”
