Al-Ahli complete signing of Spanish starlet Veiga

Highly-rated Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga has become the latest top talent to move to the Saudi Pro League.

Veiga, 21, has opted to leave boyhood club Celta Vigo to join Al-Ahli on a three-year contract.

He becomes the Saudi side’s eighth major summer signing following ex-Premier League stars Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie and defensive pair Roger Ibanez and Merih Demiral will also line up alongside Veiga.

On Thursday, Celta boss Rafael Benitez said: "Gabri is a player that has broken through, he has done well. 

"The situation in the market for him is very favourable.

"The Arab club has come with the money and it's not something you look for but it's what the situation is.

"For the player, it [the offer] is something that will change his and his family's life for the better. 

"Because of his age, he will be able to return to play in competitive league."

Spain Under-21s international Veiga made 36 LaLiga appearances for Celta last term, catching the eye of many suitors.

Napoli were thought to be leading the race for his signature, ahead of a number of interested Premier League parties.

Despite Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos describing the proposed switch as "embarrassing", right-footed playmaker Veiga will now move to the Middle East.

Ah-Ahli currently sit joint-top of the Saudi Pro League table having won all of their first three games.

They next face Al-Tai on Tuesday.

Veiga will hope to get up to speed over the next few weeks before a clash against Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al-Nassr team-mates, scheduled for September 21.