Leeds United have been reported as showing some interest in Norwich City playmaker Gabriel Sara this summer with Daniel Farke a big fan, but it looks as if The Whites are set to miss out.
Last season’s Championship campaign saw Leicester, Ipswich, Leeds and Southampton run away with the league. Almost playing a mini four-club league of themselves at the top end of England’s second tier.
But Sara was the best of the rest. The Brazilian, bought for £10m two years ago by Norwich, had a hand in 25 goals and assists for The Canaries last season as they reached the Championship play-off semi-finals.
Norwich are in a position where they need to sell a big player in order to bring in some cash. They are in the final year of their parachute payments, a considerable drop off from the second year after relegation.
Leeds wanted Sara but deal described as a “tough” one
With Leeds looking to bring in a midfielder to replace Glen Kamara, the go-to is Sara. The Norwich star largely played in the two of a 4-2-3-1 which is what Leeds of course, are looking to sign at Elland Road.
However, Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that while Farke really likes Sara personally, a deal was always going to be “tough”. Especially, as interested parties were quoted £20m for the 25-year-old ace.
Now, new reports look as if any hope Leeds had of pulling off a major coup and one of the best signings among Championship clubs, are already over as Galatasaray make their move for the “amazing” Sara.
Galatasaray have bid accepted, Sara spotted landing in Istanbul
A report in today’s paper edition of The Mirror (04/08, p70) says that Galatasaray have had a £20m bid accepted by Norwich. It comes after an initial bid was rejected, said to be £5m off Norwich’s asking price.
Those reports hold weight with Sara spotted landing in Istanbul, already wearing the yellow and red of the SuperLig side. Indeed, Sara missed Saturday’s friendly between Norwich and German side St. Pauli.
While Leeds may have had confidence of doing a deal given Leeds may have been a natural progression for Sara, the lure of playing in Turkey and Champions League football appealed to the Brazilian more so.
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