Gabriel Sara, Leeds United
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Sat 2 August 2025 12:40, UK
Leeds United are interested in a move for Galatasaray and former Norwich City midfielder Gabriel Sara.
The Whites are keen to add a more attack-minded midfielder to their ranks this summer, after strengthening the defensive areas in the middle of the park with moves for Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach.
Several other areas of Daniel Farke’s squad have been bolstered in recent weeks, with Lucas Perri among those bought in to take centre stage in Leeds’ Premier League return.
But decision-makers at Elland Road have received a blow, after top target out wide Igor Paixao decided to sign for Ligue 1 club Marseille.
Feyenoord ace Igor Paixao smiles
Paixao has signed for Marseille (Credit: Imago)
Aston Villa to rival Leeds in Sara pursuit
Sara joined Galatasaray last summer, with the Turkish Super Lig side spending almost £16million on the Brazilian, who had enjoyed a fantastic season with Norwich in the Championship.
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Playing in midfield, Sara had scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists for the Canaries, earning a place in the 2023/24 Championship Team of the Season.
The midfielder enjoyed a positive first season in Turkey, too, providing nine assists as Galatasaray stormed to the Super Lig title.
Gabriel Sara Super Lig 2024/25 (per 90)
Shot-creating actions 5.10
Shots 2.43
Key passes 2.32
Stats via FBref
And sources with links to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside (2 August) that Sara has caught the eyes of several Premier League teams, including Aston Villa and Leeds.
The 26-year-old, who could leave for around £35m this summer, is among Villa’s top options to strengthen in midfield, and the Villans are currently the “most advanced” in their interest.
Galatasaray are not keen on selling Sara. However, there is an acknowledgement that the Turkish side would be willing to part ways with the midfielder if presented with the right price.
https://x.com/NorwichCityFC/status/1766550774530883620
Leeds could steal Sara
While Villa look to be currently leading the race for Sara, there remains an opportunity for Leeds to steal a march on their Premier League counterparts.
Decision-makers at Villa Park have been grappling with issues pertaining to the Profit and Sustainability Rules throughout the summer. Therefore, they are expected to need to sell before parting with significant expenditure.
As a result, that could leave Leeds with an opportunity to sneak ahead in the race for Sara, who would add a certain quality to Farke’s midfield ahead of the Premier League season.
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