Galatasaray have secured the signing of Gabriel Sara.
That’s according to Chris Reeve, who has reported on X that Norwich City have now lost one of their key stars.
The midfielder was one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Canaries during the 2023/24 campaign, proving to be a major asset in the final third and playing a crucial role in guiding the Canaries to a top-six finish.
He proved to be a very shrewd addition back in the summer of 2022 following the Canaries’ relegation, with Sara establishing himself as a real star since his move to the Championship.
However, it always looked as though it was only going to be a matter of time before he moved on, with the player performing excellently last term but the Canaries failing to secure a Premier League return, losing to Leeds United in the play-offs.
Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Italian outfit Atalanta were also linked with a move for the midfielder, but it was unclear whether the Brazilian was going to move on, with Norwich in a very strong negotiating position despite missing out on promotion.
Not only does the player still have two years left on his contract at Carrow Road, but the Canaries also have the opportunity to extend that by a further year, which could have given the club the license to keep him.
Having sold a couple of key players last summer, and with other current first-teamers potentially set to attract interest between now and the end of the window, those factors could have also allowed Norwich to retain the midfielder.
But it looks as though he’s on his way out of Carrow Road.
Galatasaray reportedly seal Gabriel Sara deal
According to Reeve, the Turkish Super Lig side have now managed to get a deal over the line for the talented Brazilian.
The financial details of the final deal are currently unclear, but GE have reported that the player has moved in a deal worth up to €26m, with €23m of that guaranteed.
This amount could give the Canaries the opportunity to bring in a replacement and address other areas, although it won’t be easy to replace someone of Sara’s calibre.
Norwich City must invest a considerable amount of money in a replacement for Gabriel Sara
Sara was such an integral player last term.
There are players who could step up in his place and contribute in the final third, including Josh Sargent and Ashley Barnes.
Adam Idah is another player who could potentially make a real difference in attack for the Canaries during the 2024/25 season, but it’s unclear whether he’s going to remain at Carrow Road beyond the end of the summer window or not.
Even though they already have plenty of decent attacking players, a replacement for Sara will definitely be needed, because he will be sorely missed unless an adequate replacement is brought in.
The Canaries’ hierarchy need to make a decent chunk of the funds generated from Sara’s sale available to Johannes Hoff Thorup.
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Plenty of teams have reportedly taken an interest in him, including the Whites.
