(Credit: Imago)

Leeds United set for due diligence ahead of £34m Gabriel Sara transfer

Pranav has over nine years of experience inside newsrooms in print and digital media and joined Breaking Media Ltd. in April, 2021. He specialises in breaking news reporting, investigations, injury news and stories surrounding club takeovers. Pranav graduated from St. Mary’s University, London, in Sports Journalism (MA). He has worked at News Associates, The Non League Paper, HT Media Group, VAVEL, Sportskeeda, Chichester Observer and Eastbourne Herald, among others.

Published on:

12 Aug 2025, 10:28 am

Leeds United are keen on signing Galatasaray ace Gabriel Sara before the transfer window closes.

Brazilian midfielder Sara moved to Galatasaray last summer and could be on his way out after a year.

Prior to that, the 26-year-old was a first-team regular across two years at Norwich City.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke gives a thumbs up

Daniel Farke wants new signings at Leeds. (Credit: Imago)

This story includes exclusive opinion from injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and a Sports Scientist.

Leeds United expected to assess Sara's knee before making transfer decision

Leeds United are keen on Sara, but will have to pay over £34million to secure his services.

It was reported earlier this month that Aston Villa are also keen on signing the Galatasaray midfielder.

Ahead of a potential transfer, Dr Rajpal Brar has highlighted his knee issues, which may need to be examined further before a club decides to sign him.

The Brazilian missed four games in all competitions last term because of it and it could potentially cause issues in the future.

Gabriel Sara	Super Lig 2024/25 (per 90)
Shot-creating actions	5.10
Shots	2.43
Key passes	2.32

Sara's stats from last season.

Dr Brar told MOT Leeds News: "Leeds are expected to take a closer look at these recent knee injuries to assess the risk for future aggravation.

"They’ll also consider his game time in recent seasons, which has been pretty consistent.

"His prior experience in England will certainly come in handy in terms of adapting to the weather, but the Premier League is certainly a different ball game."

Read more: Leeds have made the first move to sign Sara

Anton Stach joined Leeds this summer. (Credit: Imago)

Daniel Farke will prioritise a new striker over Sara

Leeds United’s midfield is already well-stocked after signing Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach, addressing both defensive and creative needs for their Premier League return.

With existing options like Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu, spending £34m on Sara seems unlikely, as the priority for Daniel Farke will be a marquee striker to bolster their attack.

A high-profile forward would address the goal-scoring void and align with Farke’s ambitions, making it a more pressing need than another midfielder.

Financial prudence also favours targeting a prolific striker over an expensive midfield addition.

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Gabriel Sara