Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman does not believe Gabri Veiga would be ready for Champions League football after links to Newcastle United. The young Spaniard is enjoying a stellar breakthrough campaign in La Liga and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.
The Magpies have been linked with a whole host of upcoming talent since the takeover went through back in October 2021. Eddie Howe's side have reportedly tracked Yousouffa Moukoko, Benjamin Sesko and Ivan Fresneda to name a few of Europe's hottest talents.
Viega has scored nine goals in 28 appearances in all competitions for Celta Vigo this season, earning his first Under-21 cap with Spain as a result of his fine form. However, some young talents need time to nurture while others take no time adapting to life in a different country.
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“It’s a bit of both really," McManaman told BetFred when asked if the Spaniard was ready to play in Europe's elite competition. "He should probably stay with Celta Vigo and progress with his development, but considering the finances of the club.
"I believe there’s a chance that he will jump out of the club and try and get into the Premier League because it’s the league that every player wants to get to at this moment in time, due to the finances and everything surrounding it.
“You’re buying him for the future, not now. He couldn’t go straight from Celta into the starting eleven of a club in the Champions League.
"I believe that would be too much at this moment in time, but you can hope and try to buy a player for the future that can keep on improving.
"His numbers have been good this year, but as a prospective buyer, you can’t just look at a player of his age after just one year and think you can put him straight into your team as it’s a gamble when you buy a player that’s had one year of playing regular first-team football.”
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