Everton Lead Race to Sign Galatasaray Midfielder Gabriel Sara for £23m

Everton are reportedly leading the race to sign Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, valued at £23m by Transfermarkt, according to Football Insider. The 27-year-old Brazilian is on Everton's radar for a potential move next year, but Galatasaray have no intention of selling mid-season.

  • Player: Gabriel Sara, 27, Brazilian midfielder
  • Current club: Galatasaray
  • Interested club: Everton (leading race)
  • Valuation: £23m (Transfermarkt)
  • Contract until: 2029
  • Potential move: Next year, not mid-season

Deal details

Everton are reportedly keeping a close eye on Gabriel Sara's performances before making a potential swoop next year. The midfielder is valued at around £23m by Transfermarkt, and his existing deal at Galatasaray runs until 2029. The Turkish club have no intention of letting him leave in mid-season. Newcastle United expressed interest in Sara this summer but ultimately decided to purchase other targets, potentially ending their pursuit. As a result, Everton are the favourites to seal the deal. However, with The Friedkin Group ready to sell Everton, it is highly unlikely that the club will be able to sign Sara before the takeover, which is expected to be completed before the end of this season.

Injury and availability

No injuries are reported in the source article. However, James Garner, Christian Norgaard, Hayden Hackney and Harrison Armstrong are Everton's deeper midfield options. Hackney has featured as a rotational option, while Norgaard has struggled with fitness problems thus far this season. Norgaard's fitness issues could impact Everton's midfield depth, making Sara an attractive target.

The numbers

  • 50 appearances for Norwich City in 2023/24 across all competitions
  • 13 goals scored in that season
  • 13 assists registered in that season
  • 2 Super Lig titles won with Galatasaray
  • 1 domestic cup won with Galatasaray
  • 4 goal contributions in 7 league appearances this season
  • £23m Transfermarkt valuation
  • Contract until 2029

Why Everton see Gabriel Sara as a shrewd acquisition

Gabriel Sara is a technically gifted, left-footed midfielder who can play anywhere across the middle of the park. He is adept at threading passes between the lines and works hard without possession. At 27, he is at the prime stage of his career, making him an appealing target for Everton. The Toffees currently rely on James Garner, Christian Norgaard, Hayden Hackney and Harrison Armstrong as deeper midfield options. Norgaard has struggled with fitness problems this season, while Hackney has been used rotationally. Sara's versatility and creativity would add a new dimension to David Moyes' midfield, offering a left-footed presence capable of unlocking defences. However, any move is complicated by the impending takeover, which could delay transfer activity until the end of the season.

Talking points

  • Should Everton wait until after the takeover to pursue Sara, or risk losing him to another club?
  • Is £23m a fair price for a 27-year-old with no Premier League experience?
  • Newcastle's decision to pass on Sara this summer could come back to haunt them if he excels at Everton.
  • Galatasaray's refusal to sell mid-season shows their ambition, but will Sara push for a move?

What happens next

Everton will continue to monitor Gabriel Sara's performances ahead of a potential move next year. The Friedkin Group's takeover is expected to be completed before the end of the season, which could unlock funds for transfers. Galatasaray's stance remains firm: no mid-season sale. If Sara maintains his form, Everton may face competition from other clubs. The next transfer window will be crucial in determining whether the Toffees can secure his signature.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gabriel Sara joining Everton?

Everton are reportedly leading the race to sign Gabriel Sara, but any move is likely to happen next year, not in mid-season, and is dependent on the club's takeover.

What is Gabriel Sara's transfer value?

Gabriel Sara is valued at around £23m by Transfermarkt, according to the report.

Why did Newcastle not sign Gabriel Sara?

Newcastle United expressed interest in Gabriel Sara this summer but ultimately decided to purchase other targets, so they may not make a move for him anymore.

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