Galatasaray supporters celebrate after the football club was crowned champion of Turkey's top division for a record 22nd time on May 19, 2019 in Istanbul. - Galatasaray sealed their 22nd Turkish league title with a dramatic 2-1 win over nearest challengers Istanbul Basaksehir in a capital-city derby marred by violence. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP) (Photo credit should read YASIN AKGUL/AFP/Getty Images)
Aston Villa has reportedly initiated talks with Turkish champions Galatasaray over a move for highly-rated Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara, according to Foot Mercato.
This move signals the start of a crucial summer transfer window for the Midlands club under manager Unai Emery, as they aim to build on a season that saw them narrowly miss out on Champions League qualification but reach the quarter-finals in Europe.
Emery is keen to bolster his midfield ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, and Sara, described as “magical,” has emerged as a prime target.
The former Norwich City midfielder impressed during his debut season in Istanbul, making 42 appearances and contributing two goals and ten assists as Galatasaray secured the Süper Lig title. His current valuation stands at around £17 million.
READ:Galatasaray Considers Chelsea Striker as Osimhen Alternative in Ambitious Transfer Strategy
Financial Strategy and Competition
Villa’s summer plans are being shaped by financial fair play (FFP) and profit and sustainability rules (PSR), meaning the club is expected to offload some first-team players to balance their books. In this context, Sara’s reported price tag could represent significant value in the current market, especially given his age and productive output in Turkey.
However, Villa isn’t the only club monitoring Sara’s situation. Both Italian giants Inter Milan and Premier League rivals Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on the midfielder, although no formal offers have been submitted by either club. Villa’s early move could prove to be a crucial advantage in securing his signature.
A Strategic Addition to Emery’s Midfield
The potential acquisition of Sara aligns with Emery’s broader strategy for the squad. The manager is reportedly looking for reinforcements across the attack, with names like Barcelona’s Ferran Torres and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze also being linked.
This approach highlights Villa’s ambition while maintaining a pragmatic view of the transfer market.
Discussions for Sara are ongoing, with Villa hopeful of progressing the deal swiftly. His profile as a creative spark in midfield—someone capable of picking a pass and dictating the tempo—is seen as a complementary fit for the existing squad.
While players like Youri Tielemans and Jacob Ramsey are developing, and John McGinn offers a more box-to-box presence, Sara could provide the specific creative flair Emery desires. His ten assists in his first season at a new club underscore his potential impact.
The move for Sara, if successful, would demonstrate a smart, creative, and forward-thinking approach from Villa, targeting talent that fits Emery’s system without overspending, a strategy likely to excite supporters.