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Borussia Dortmund have profiled Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga as a potential replacement for Real Madrid-bound Jude Bellingham, according to German media.
Veiga, 20, has emerged as a target for Manchester United over recent weeks on the back of a breakout season in La Liga.
The Spain Under-21 international has scored nine goals in his club’s battle away from the threat of relegation.
Well-sourced James Rhoades of The Muppetiers has name dropped Veiga on several occasions as being on United’s summer transfer shortlist.
They may face competition from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, however, who are set to acquiesce into losing star player Bellingham once the current campaigns draws to a close.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Bellingham, who United have long pursued, is on the cusp of making the move to the Bernabeu after agreeing personal terms with Madrid and is now awaiting the two clubs as they try to finalise a deal.
With such, Dortmund will be expected to make a splash for another top young midfield talent to subsidise Bellingham’s departure.
SportBild have reported, as relayed by AS, that Veiga and Ajax lynchpin Edson Alvarez are the two names at the top of Dortmund’s replacement shortlist.
Although Veiga is judged by Transfermarkt to hold a value of €30,000,000, he holds a release clause of €40,000,000 in a contract binding him at the club until June 2026.
Dortmund would, therefore, not face the challenge of being held ransom by Vigo if they are to pursue the Spanish midfielder — as Jose Carlos Menzel notes, the €150,000,000 fee that Bellingham is presumed to command will not be forgotten quickly when they open negotiations for targets this summer.
Dortmund could also take advantage of United’s unknown ownership status; Erik ten Hag is said to have become disillusioned by the prospect of missing out on players due to the club’s takeover situation, which does not yet appear close to a resolution.
Madrid’s hat has also been thrown into the ring regarding making a transfer move for Veiga. Carlo Ancelotti’s side is set to have a full complement of midfielders with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric both extending their contracts ahead of Bellingham’s summer arrival.
