Leeds United have been linked with a high-profile move to sign Norwich City playmaker Gabriel Sara this summer, and a report explains why The Whites are confident of securing a deal.
The 25-year-old Brazilian was one of the best players in The Championship last season, featuring in all 48 games for Norwich last term. He started all 46 league games, and then both play-off semi-final matches.
Leeds demolished Norwich in the second leg of the play-offs at Elland Road, winning 4-0. Sara remains at Norwich following his £10m move in 2022, having had a hand in 27 goals last term – 25 in the second tier.
With Norwich failing to win promotion and Sara having outgrown the Canaries, a move is expected and reports over the weekend say Leeds have made midfielder Sara a ‘key target’ in their bid to be promoted.
Why Leeds feel confident of deal in pursuit of Norwich’s Sara
Leeds lack a natural no.10 other than Brenden Aaronson, who has been used as a left winger in both of the club’s friendlies while out in Germany. It feels as if Aaronson could replace Crysencio Summerville.
But the Dutchman remains at Elland Road and Georginio Rutter sparkled as a 10 last season. Whether Leeds actually need “tenacious” Sara remains to be seen, but nonetheless he would be a top signing.
Leeds are not alone in their pursuit of Sara, with Serie A side Atalanta also keen. But Give Me Sport report that The Whites feel confident due to their ‘close proximity’ to Sara and can offer a ‘natural’ step up.
Having played Norwich last season, Leeds believe the fact they will be fighting for automatic promotion makes them the next logical move for Sara and that may be enough to tempt him with a move to Leeds.
Sara will only be signed if one of two Leeds players are sold
As aforementioned, it is difficult to find a place for Sara in a Leeds side that are already well-stocked in the front three positions in Daniel Farke’s 4-2-3-1 system. But Summerville, or Wilfried Gnonto, could go.
As things stand, Gnonto is first choice on the right, Summerville on the left and Rutter in the 10. With Aaronson now back on board, Farke has the difficult task of incorporating the American into his Leeds XI.
But, if Summerville or Gnonto do go, then the chances are he is replaced with Sara. However, Leeds could look at the £17m-rated star as a replacement deeper in midfield for Glen Kamara, where he can also play.
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