Newcastle could find their next Hatem Ben Arfa by signing “astonishing” £14m magician
As the Premier League season reaches its dramatic conclusion, Newcastle United stand on the brink of securing Champions League football for the second consecutive year.
Eddie Howe’s side currently occupies fourth position, clinging to their European dreams by the slimmest of margins – goal difference alone separates them from both Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Sunday’s clash against Everton at a sold-out St James’ Park represents more than just another match; it’s the gateway to continental elite football and the catalyst for an ambitious summer rebuild.
While the immediate focus remains on securing three points against the Toffees, Newcastle’s recruitment team has already begun plotting their transfer strategy.
Recent reports suggest the Magpies might be closing in on a player who could evoke memories of one of St James’ Park’s most mercurial talents – Hatem Ben Arfa.
The French magician’s four-year spell on Tyneside between 2010 and 2014 remains etched in Newcastle folklore. Though his 14 goals and 16 assists only tell part of the story, Ben Arfa’s ability to electrify crowds with his dribbling wizardry made him a cult hero.
As Peter McVitie of Goal noted, he provided “flashes of brilliance” and “awesome displays of skill,” while Louise Taylor of the Guardian praised his “exquisite touch” and “perfect balance.” Now, a decade after Ben Arfa’s departure, Newcastle appear to be targeting another potential game-changer in Gabri Veiga.
The 22-year-old Spanish midfielder currently plying his trade at Saudi side Al-Ahli has emerged as a surprise target, with Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna reporting Newcastle’s interest in hijacking his proposed £14 million move to Porto.
Veiga’s profile makes for fascinating reading – a creative force capable of both unlocking defenses and contributing goals, as evidenced by his breakout 2022/23 season with Celta Vigo where he notched 11 goals and 5 assists in La Liga.
What makes Veiga particularly intriguing are the stylistic comparisons to Ben Arfa. Like the Frenchman, Veiga thrives when taking on opponents, ranking seventh in La Liga for take-on success rate (54%) among players with at least 70 attempts during his final season in Spain.
His ability to progress the ball (68 progressive carries) and penchant for the spectacular – including a match-winning brace against Barcelona in his final Celta appearance – suggest he could bring that same unpredictability that made Ben Arfa so beloved.
The statistics from Veiga’s standout La Liga campaign reveal a player ready for the next step:
| Metric | Gabri Veiga (2022/23) | La Liga Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 2,294 | 120th |
| Goals | 11 | 13th |
| Goals + Assists | 15 | 12th |
| Shots on Target % | 46.8% | 17th |
| Take-on Success % | 54% | 7th |
| Goals – Expected Goals | +4.9 | 1st |
Data courtesy of FBref.com
Veiga’s subsequent move to Saudi Arabia raised eyebrows, but his 12 goals and 10 assists in 65 appearances for Al-Ahli – including key contributions in their AFC Champions League Elite triumph – demonstrate he hasn’t lost his edge.
As journalist António Mango notes, he possesses “astonishing technical ability,” while Thomas Hammond describes him as a “quality player with bags of potential.”
At 22, Veiga represents both an immediate impact option and a long-term project. His ability to operate across midfield and attack would provide Howe with tactical flexibility, while his flair could help fill the creative void Newcastle have occasionally faced this season.
The potential £14 million fee appears excellent value for a player who was commanding €40 million release clauses just twelve months ago.
As Newcastle prepare for what could be a transformative summer, the parallels between Veiga and Ben Arfa are impossible to ignore. Both arrived with reputations as maverick talents capable of the extraordinary; both offered that rare ability to turn matches with moments of individual brilliance.
While consistency remains the challenge for all players of this ilk, the prospect of Veiga lighting up St James’ Park in the same way Ben Arfa once did will have Newcastle fans dreaming.
First, however, comes the small matter of securing Champions League football against Everton. Should Newcastle succeed, their summer recruitment – potentially headlined by Veiga – could mark the next phase in the club’s exciting evolution under Eddie Howe. One thing is certain: the Magpies are determined not to stand still, and their search for the next St James’ Park magician appears well underway.