Leeds United are interested in doing a deal to sign Norwich City midfielder Gabriel Sara this summer but he is likely to be expensive, and Carlton Palmer shares how much he think he will cost.
Sara, 25, starred for Norwich last season. Picked in The Championship’s Team of the Season, Sara is seen as one of the best players in the division after the Brazilian had a hand in 25 goals from midfield last term.
Norwich are in a position where they are have to sell one big name in order to bring in some cash. The Canaries are sitting in a precarious position and in the final year of their three-year parachute payments.
The drop off from second year to third is alarming, and next summer will see them gone altogether. So, one big name must be sold to bring in some cash at Carrow Road and Sara could be the one that leaves.
Leeds’ lowball offer for Sara has been rejected, £20m fee touted
It has been claimed that Leeds have already sat down at the negotiating table and made an offer for Sara. However, the tiny £5m fee was quickly rejected by Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side and understandably so.
Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that a move for Sara would cost a steep £20m fee if The 49ers are going to lure him to Elland Road. Carlton Palmer gave his take, saying Leeds must bid at least £10m.
He told FLW: “It’s one of those. Leeds have got £25m for Summerville, but they wouldn’t want to spend the majority of that money – as good as Sara is – on someone who’s older than the player being sold.
“They may go back with an improved offer, but it may still be nowhere near the £20m Norwich are asking for. If they don’t go in with an improved offer of at least £10m, I think they turn their attention elsewhere.”
Sara would be an amazing signing for Leeds, his manager said so
Thorup replaced David Wagner this summer after the latter failed to guide Norwich to promotion, losing to Leeds in the play-off semi-finals with a 4-0 hammering in Yorkshire and already, Thorup is impressed.
The new Norwich gaffer has made moves to try to keep Sara, giving him the captain’s armband for much of Norwich’s pre-season campaign. Speaking on the star’s future, Thorup described Sara as “amazing”.
Ultimately, if Leeds are going to get their man, they are going to have to pay a big sum. Especially, as Norwich will know that Leeds have raked in around £80m from player sales over the last two months.
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