According to Fabrizio Romano and confirmed by AS, Atlético made a tentative move for Gabri Veiga. Negotiations did not take place because Atlético's budget for the position was insufficient to match the amount Oporto had paid for Veiga. Oporto paid 15 million for 90% of the player's rights, and Atlético's available budget was 16 million, which was the amount proposed for Rodrigo Mendoza. A formal offer was not made to Oporto. Gabri Veiga was pleased by Atlético's interest and is attracted to the idea of playing for the club in the future. The plan is for the situation to be re-evaluated in the summer, conditional on Veiga maintaining his performance and an understanding being reached with Oporto.

According to AS, Porto rejected an offer from Atletico Madrid for Gabri Veiga during the final 48 hours of the winter transfer window. The midfielder was one of the options the club considered to strengthen their squad in January. The Portuguese club's refusal delayed the transfer, although Gabri Veiga is still being considered. The potential transfer is regarded as one to consider for the upcoming summer, with several clubs already interested.

Atlético Madrid pursued 23-year-old Spanish player Gabri Veiga in Portugal as part of their search for a new midfielder. A report from Fabrizio Romano stated that the club was interested in the player, but Porto would not permit his departure. The Portuguese club blocked the move because they consider Veiga a vital player for the final part of the season. Veiga joined Porto in June 2025 and is under contract until 2030. In the 2025/2026 Liga Portugal season, he has recorded 1 goal and 5 assists in 17 appearances. He has been capped 19 times for the Spain U21 team, scoring 3 goals. His Transfermarkt market value is €23.00m.