Gabri Veiga was left out of the Celta Vigo starting line-up by coach Rafa Benitez for their opening game of the LaLiga season against Osasuna on Sunday afternoon, as a transfer to Napoli nears completion.
The 21-year-old, who started on 28 occasions in the league last season, was given a 15 minute cameo appearance from the substitutes’ bench, with Celta Vigo having already fallen two goals behind.
Benitez is aware that Veiga has a release clause in his contract and knows that there are teams, particularly Napoli, ready to pounce on that opportunity.
Calciomercato.com reports that the deal between Napoli and Celta Vigo is now “80% done,” and that Veiga could soon be unveiled as a new Napoli player.
Veiga’s release clause stands at a reported €40m, but Napoli have been attempting to get that figure lowered to a fee of around €35m-€36m.
The 21-year-old has also supposedly given his personal approval to the move, saying yes to a five-year deal worth €1.8m per season in wages.