FC Porto hired Gabri Veiga for a significantly reduced salary compared to his previous wage.
Footballing Fantasy: Gabriel Veiga Takes a Massive Wage Slash to Join FC Porto from Asian Giants Al Ahli
In a stunning turn of events, globe-trotting midfielder Gabriel Veiga, celebrating his birthday on May 27th, has shown an astounding display of generosity by agreeing to a hefty pay cut to don the FC Porto jersey, the club president announced yesterday.
With a fresh five-year contract till 2030, Veiga, now a Porto player, will surely add spark to the squad aiming to reclaim the Primeira Liga title. The club last held the trophy in the 2021/22 season.
Over the past two years, Veiga had been dazzling audiences in Saudi Arabia for Al Ahli, where he netted 12 goals and orchestrated 10 assists in 66 games. The versatile Spanish star made his mark earlier with Celta de Vigo, his youth club, before venturing east. He also captained the Spain U21 team to a European Championship victory in 2023.
Having just clinched the Asian Champions League a few weeks ago, Veiga bids adieu to the Middle East, barely nine days before the FIFA Club World Cup hoops up in the United States, running from June 14th to July 13th. This year, there'll be a Portuguese derby including Porto and Benfica, with the former facing Palmeiras led by Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira, Inter Miami with Messi at the helm, and Egyptian behemoth Al Ahly in Group A.
FC Porto announced a fixed transfer fee of €15 million, with a scope for additional €4 million depending on performance-based bonuses. Veiga's contract comes with a €65 million buyout clause and a €1.25 million agent fee for the inaugural season. Al Ahli bears the responsibility for the solidarity mechanism for third parties,, as per filings with the Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
Coverage by LUSA
[1] "Gabriel Veiga Agrees to Pay Cut to Join FC Porto from Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli" - Lusa, May 26th, 2023.[2] "FC Porto Hails Gabriel Veiga's 'Good Team Spirit' After Ricocheting European Move" - Lusa, May 27th, 2023.[3] "Gabriel Veiga, From Porto to Saudi Arabia and Back: The Fairy-Tale Story" - Lusa, May 26th, 2023.[4] "Five Key Takeaways from FC Porto's Head-Turning Gabriel Veiga Signing" - Lusa, May 27th, 2023.
[1] "Gabriel Veiga's massive wage slash will allow him to join Porto from Al Ahli, further bolstering their squad in the European leagues, particularly the Premier League, where they aim to regain their Primeira Liga title."
[2] "As Veiga swaps the Asian-leagues for the European ones, he joins FC Porto ready to make an impact in the Premier League, offering his football expertise to compete against top clubs across various European leagues."
