FC Porto are on the verge of securing the signing of highly-rated Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, with negotiations reportedly progressing into the final stages. The deal, if completed, would mark a significant coup for the Portuguese giants and could signal a shift in strategy as Porto look to reinforce their midfield ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The 22-year-old Veiga, who rose to prominence with Celta Vigo in La Liga, made headlines last summer when he opted for a surprise move to Saudi Arabia instead of joining one of the elite European clubs who had been tracking him, including Napoli, Chelsea, and Liverpool. His €40 million transfer to Al Ahli was one of the most talked-about deals of the 2023 summer transfer window, both for the player’s age and his perceived potential. However, his time in Saudi Arabia has not quite lived up to expectations, with the player reportedly keen on returning to Europe to reignite his career on the continental stage.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that FC Porto and Al Ahli have reached a broad agreement on the structure of the deal, which is expected to be a loan with an option—or possibly an obligation—to buy. The financial terms are still being fine-tuned, but the overall valuation is said to be significantly lower than the fee Al Ahli originally paid, reflecting the Saudi club’s willingness to offload the player and the player’s own desire to move.
Porto, long known for their ability to identify undervalued talent and provide a platform for young players to flourish, see Veiga as a strategic acquisition. With their reputation for developing players and selling them for substantial profits—such as Éder Militão, Luis DÃaz, and Fábio Vieira—Porto hope Veiga can be the next breakout star to emerge from the Estádio do Dragão.
Sporting director André Villas-Boas, who recently returned to a more hands-on role at the club, has reportedly been a driving force behind the move. With the potential departure of a key midfielder such as Alan Varela or Stephen Eustáquio this summer, Porto are looking to bolster their central options. Veiga, known for his technique, vision, and goal-scoring ability from midfield, could bring a new dynamic to Sérgio Conceição’s side.
At his best, Veiga is an elegant, box-to-box midfielder with a knack for arriving late in the box and scoring goals—traits that earned him comparisons to Frank Lampard during his breakout campaign at Celta Vigo. In the 2022/23 La Liga season, he notched 11 goals and 4 assists in 36 appearances, catching the eye of scouts across Europe. However, the move to Al Ahli saw his form dip, with limited playing time and a system that arguably failed to maximize his strengths.
For Porto, this is a calculated risk. They are betting on a player with undoubted talent, but one who needs the right environment to rediscover his rhythm and confidence. The Primeira Liga has proven to be a fertile ground for such rehabilitation projects, with Porto and their domestic rivals often serving as springboards for players seeking a return to the European elite.
Fans of the club have responded positively to the reports, viewing the potential signing as a statement of intent. After a somewhat underwhelming 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish behind rivals Benfica and Sporting CP, Porto are keen to strengthen in key areas and mount a serious title challenge next season. Veiga’s arrival, if completed, could be the first major domino to fall in what is expected to be a busy transfer window.
There are also broader implications to this move. Should Veiga depart the Saudi Pro League so soon after joining, it could reflect a growing trend of younger European players reconsidering moves to the Middle East. While the league has attracted big-name stars with lucrative contracts, concerns about competitive levels, visibility, and career progression are increasingly influencing decisions.
As things stand, both clubs are optimistic that an agreement will be finalized soon, possibly within the next week. Medicals and personal terms are not expected to be major obstacles, as Veiga is believed to be eager to complete the switch. Porto’s sporting project, Champions League football, and track record of player development are reportedly key factors in his decision.
Should the move go through as expected, it would represent a significant boost for Porto’s ambitions and a fresh chapter for a young player who still has time to fulfill the promise that once made him one of Europe’s most
sought-after talents.
