Celta Vigo surprised by Barcelona disinterest in 20-year-old midfielder

Gabri Veiga has emerged as one of the rising stars in La Liga this season. Currently plying his trade for Celta Vigo, the playmaker has racked up nine goals and three assists in 25 league matches.

Veiga’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid among the clubs interested in his services. The Whites are joined by their cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid as they look to bring the playmaker to the Spanish capital in the coming summer.

Buoyed by interest in Veiga by top European clubs, Celta Vigo are even surprised that one particular club in the form of Barcelona have not made any move to sign the player just yet, reports Diario SPORT.

The Spanish news outlet suggests that Celta Vigo had expected Barcelona to join the list of clubs interested in the services of the young Spaniard, who has already racked up 44 competitive appearances for the club since his breakthrough.

Barcelona have indeed not made any approach to sign Veiga lately. It appears the Catalans are occupied by other priorities in the market, which include the signing of a new right-back as well as a striker.

The club are also working on a deal to sign Inigo Martinez on a free transfer, with the veteran centre-back likely to pen a three-year deal.

It must also be noted that Barcelona are in a difficult economic situation right now, as they look to reduce their salary budget in order to avoid FFP sanctions. To that end, the club have only targeted cost-effective options in the market.

Gabri Veiga, therefore, might have been an unattainable option for Barcelona as the playmaker has a release clause worth €40 million. Celta Vigo have no intention to sell the player for anywhere less than that value, so it will be interesting to see whether or not Veiga departs Estadio de Balaidos, let alone join Barça this summer.