Sunderland have been linked with former Norwich City fans favourite Gabriel Sara, with a fresh report from Turkey claiming the North East team are among a number of Premiership clubs monitoring the Galatasaray midfielder’s situation.
The claim comes from Turkish sports journalist Yakup Çınar, who first reported on X that Sara’s agent is due to meet Galatasaray officials this week, with both Sunderland and Fulham described as “seriously interested” in the player. He said: "Gabriel Sara's agent will be coming this week to meet with the management. Fulham and Sunderland are seriously interested in the player."
He made his name in England with Norwich City, where he developed into one of the Championship’s standout midfielders. Signed originally by the Canaries from São Paulo in 2022 for a feww of around £6million plus add-ons, the Brazilian central midfielder quickly became a key figure at Carrow Road. His performances earned him Norwich’s Player of the Season award in 2023, as well as a place in the Championship Team of the Season the following year, after also being named Player of the Month in August 2023.
That form then encouraged Galatasaray to make their move last summer, with the Turkish giants going on to sign Sara on a five-year contract in August 2024. Since then, he has featured regularly in the Süper Lig and has already made an impact in high-profile fixtures, including scoring away against fierce rivals Fenerbahçe in the Intercontinental Derby.
From a Sunderland perspective, his profile is an interesting one. Sara is technically strong, comfortable in possession, and capable of contributing goals and assists from midfield, all qualities that would align with Régis Le Bris’ tactical demands that he places on his team. His previous success in English football would also reduce the adaptation risk often associated with overseas signings.