Josh Edwards

Thu 9 April 2026 10:10, UK

Gabriel Sara may well find himself the subject of interest from Leeds United this summer.

Ao Tanaka is a fan favourite at Leeds, mainly due to his incredible contributions in the Championship prior to their promotion to the Premier League.

However, news emerged from Elland Road on Wednesday stating that the Japan international is open to an exit from Leeds, and no one can blame him.

Daniel Farke has severely restricted his amount of gametime, despite how often he has come up with the goods, with Tanaka undoubtedly growing frustrated.

Sara has been linked with Leeds in the past, and if that interest were to resurface this summer, it would be the perfect bit of business from the Whites.

Leeds United can sign major upgrade with Gabriel Sara

Sara was mooted as a target for Leeds and, of course, Sunderland in the previous summer window, but that interest amounted to nothing in the end, though it was reported that the Whites held talks.

Instead, the former Norwich star remained in Turkey, where he has since seen his stock rise massively as a result of his performances.

The 26-year-old has six goals and four assists across all competitions this season, including one of each in the Champions League, though it is his versatility that makes him the perfect replacement for Tanaka.

Like the Japan international, Sara can play an advanced role or a deeper role, as showcased by the fact that he has created 51 chances in the Super Lig this season, while having also made 61 defensive contributions.

The Brazilian has won possession for his side in the final third 12 times, showing his willingness to press from the front, which is a key attribute in the current system deployed by Farke.

The one barrier that could prevent Sara from replacing Tanaka

Leeds are said to be looking for a fee in the region of £9million to sanction an exit for Tanaka this summer, which would be nowhere near the level of fee needed to bring Sara to Elland Road.

Last summer, it was reported that it would take a fee in the region of £17.6m to sign Sara, but after his season, that fee will have doubled almost certainly.

Sara would be a huge upgrade on several of the midfielders Farke has at his disposal at Elland Road, but whether they are willing to match the asking price remains to be seen.