Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has slammed Celta Vigo wunderkind Gabri Veiga for opting to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, branding him ‘embarrassing’.
The Spanish midfielder has been linked with a host of European giants this summer, and has a widely known 40m euro release clause in his contract.
With 11 goals last season, the 21-year-old broke out last season and was thought to be on the radar of both Real Madrid and Barcelona too, though they have subsequently moved for other options.
Veiga has also been the subject of interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris Saint Germain, Arsenal and Manchester City, and was thought to be on the verge of joining Italian giants Napoli this summer.
However, the Serie A champions have been gazumped.
Gabri Veiga of RC Celta(Photo by / Sergio Ruiz / PRESSIN) (Alamy Stock Photo)
Now, the Spaniard is expected to head to Saudi Arabia, having been lured by Al-Ahli, who have also signed the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Alan Saint-Maximin and Roberto Firmino this summer.
And Kroos clearly felt that it was something of a cop-out, taking to Instagram to take a swipe at the decision.
Commenting under Fabrizio Romano’s confirmation of the news, the World Cup winner simply labelled Veiga ‘embarrassing’ for opting to move to the middle east.
🚨 Toni Kroos’ comment under @FabrizioRomano‘s ‘HERE WE GO’ instagram post for Gabri Veiga’s move to Al-Alhi. 🇸🇦❌ pic.twitter.com/jitVvMK0Rn
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 24, 2023
The midfielder will not be the last to make the switch this summer, with Mohamed Salah still a target for Al-Ittihad and Nicolas Pepe also thought to be in talks over a move to the Pro League.
However, at 21-years-old, his career has taken an unexpected turn.