Newcastle United need midfield reinforcement at St James’ Park this summer after losing Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
The Magpies are reportedly set to return for Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara after missing out on him in the recently closed transfer window.
Newcastle have started the season with Sean Steur, Lewis Miley, Nico Gonzalez, Joe Willock and Aladji Bamba. Joelinton has been injured early in the season.
The Toons could use another midfielder and are eyeing Sara, who has delivered two goals and two assists in six league appearances this term.
Sara is a technically sharp but physically sturdy box-to-box midfielder who has been solid in the Super Lig since leaving Norwich City.
He has experience in England, and his all-action style should translate seamlessly to the Premier League as Newcastle look to add more quality in their engine room.
In his last season in the Championship, he bagged 13 goals and 12 assists in 46 appearances.
He is a complete central midfielder who can do an excellent job for Matthias Jaissle.
However, Newcastle are not the only club interested in signing the 27-year-old. Everton are also eyeing the Brazilian to bolster their paper-thin roster.
Newcastle can aim higher than Sara
Sara would be a smart addition, but Newcastle must aim higher if they want to compete with the Premier League’s elite.
The January window could offer opportunities to sign top prospects such as Lamine Camara, Petar Sucic and Luka Sucic.
The Magpies could also explore loan moves for Barcelona duo Gavi and Frenkie de Jong, although persuading either midfielder to move may prove difficult.
Newcastle should not settle for adequate reinforcements when genuine difference-makers could transform their midfield.
Sara would strengthen their options, but he cannot be the only solution.
If the club is serious about returning to the top half of the league table, it must invest in elite talent capable of closing the gap on its rivals.