It would be safe to say that Newcastle United have been linked with quite a few Brazilian internationals in recent times. They have Danilo of Botafogo on their radar. Ederson of Atalanta was rumoured to be a target as well, after a move to Manchester United collapsed at the very last step.
Now, it looks like it is time to add another name to that quickly growing list. It is that of a one-time Brazilian international and someone who has prior experience of English football, having spent a couple of seasons playing in the Championship for Norwich City.
He has followed that up with a couple of seasons in Turkey playing for Galatasaray. And now, a return to England could be on the cards.
According to TEAMtalk, Galatasaray are prepared to part ways with Gabriel Sara this summer for a fee of around £25 million. Aston Villa and Newcastle have held contacts with his agents.
Newcastle United badly need to sign a midfielder
Obviously, midfield is an area where Newcastle United need to improve in this summer transfer window. That has been very clear ever since Sandro Tonali departed the club for Tottenham Hotspur.
It might not end with Tonali either. Bruno Guimaraes could be on his way out as well, having already agreed personal terms with Arsenal.
Sean Steur has been brought in, but he is just 18 years of age and has played just 25 senior games for Ajax. So, the Magpies need to give him the time that he needs to adjust and develop.
Naturally, it would be a good idea to bring in a more proven midfielder. Danilo and Ederson fit that bill, and so does the 27-year-old Sara.
Would Gabriel Sara be a good signing for Newcastle?
Sara’s numbers in Turkey have been exceptional. He is among the top midfielders in the league both in terms of his goalscoring and creating chances for his teammates.
Sara does have experience playing in England as well. That should serve him well. But then, there is a definite jump in quality between the Championship and the Premier League. He did not play in the English top flight while at Norwich City.
It is also worth pointing out that Sara is 27 years of age. So, he is a midfielder in his prime. The Magpies need more of such players.
At the end of the day, one needs to be wary of the interest from Aston Villa as well. Newcastle United have already lost out on Johan Manzambi to the Villans this summer.
