Manchester United’s summer business has already seen the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, with a new striker still very much the top priority. However, fresh reports from Turkey suggest the club could also be exploring midfield reinforcements, specifically Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara.
According to Takvim, United are considering a move for the 26-year-old Brazilian, with the Turkish champions valuing him at around £35 million. Sara is coming off a strong debut season in the Süper Lig after joining from Norwich City, contributing two goals and 10 assists under Okan Buruk.
A talented midfielder, but not necessarily the midfielder United need
There’s no denying Sara’s qualities. He’s a central midfielder with attacking instincts, capable of driving forward, creating chances, and chipping in with goals. His work rate is impressive, and he’s adapted quickly to life at a big club in Galatasaray.
Manchester United are interested in Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara.
But as much as he’s a good player, the question is whether he’s the right player for Ruben Amorim’s project. United’s midfield problem last season wasn’t a lack of creativity, it was a lack of control. Too often we lost the ball cheaply, struggled to dictate tempo, and were exposed in transitions.
Sara’s numbers don’t necessarily solve those issues. He averaged just three duels won per game last season and lost possession around 14 times per match, with a pass completion rate of 83%. Those figures won’t reassure supporters who’ve seen similar struggles from Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in the build-up phase.
Priorities to be clear
If United are going to invest in another midfielder this summer, it should be someone who can command the centre of the park, a player comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, keeping possession, and distributing with purpose.
A profile like Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand, for example, would align far more closely with the manager’s tactical needs. He’s already proven in a possession-based system, excels in ball retention, and has the defensive awareness to anchor midfield.
Manchester United are interested in Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara.
That’s not to say Sara wouldn’t add something to the squad. depth and versatility are never bad things, but spending £35 million on a player whose strengths lie in areas we’re already covered for seems questionable when there are more pressing needs.
United’s recruitment this summer has been promising so far, with targeted additions designed to strengthen key positions. But if we’re serious about fixing the midfield, the focus has to be on control and composure rather than just attacking flair.
Gabriel Sara is a good footballer, but unless the plan changes dramatically, it’s hard to see him as the solution to United’s most pressing midfield issues.