Leeds United must sign ‘very special’ talent who is untouchable across several stats in Europe
A strong January transfer window could bolster Leeds United’s chances of surviving in the Premier League, while saving Daniel Farke’s job.
The need for investment is greater than ever, as Leeds’ 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest before the international break saw them drop into 16th position, only one point above the drop zone.
A huge problem for Farke’s men has been scoring goals, and Leeds are eyeing AZ Alkmaar’s Troy Parrott in an attempt to fix that issue.
Parrott has 13 goals in 14 appearances for AZ this term, and he also caught the eye during the break as his hat-trick for the Republic of Ireland saw them secure a spot in the World Cup play-offs.
Leeds signing a clinical finisher is easily the most important piece of business, although other areas of the squad need strengthening too.
Leeds United going back in for Gabriel Sara
According to reports, Leeds are making a move to sign Gabriel Sara from Galatasaray, with the Turkish giants demanding around £17.6million for his signature.
The Whites have a long-standing interest in the Brazilian midfielder, formerly of Norwich City, and there were claims Galatasaray wanted no less than £30.5m for Sara during the summer.
As the 49ers were arguably put off by that asking price, Farke invested that total in two different midfielders instead, seeing Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff join from Hoffenheim and Newcastle United, respectively.
Longstaff has impressed since making the switch to West Yorkshire, while Stach has struggled to assert himself in the Premier League.
That is why signing Sara – someone who is capable of magic in the final third – could be a huge upgrade for Leeds in the engine room.
- Read More: Leeds United ready ‘serious’ offer to sign star striker set to transform Daniel Farke’s season
Sara is statistically brilliant
Sara earned a move to Galatasaray after a standout Championship campaign in 2023/24, scoring 13 and assisting 12 in the second-tier.
David Wagner dubbed Sara a ‘very special’ talent in the process, with the Brazilian showcasing why he deserved to play at the top level.
But despite only serving up 15 goal involvements in 61 appearances for the Turkish giants, his underlying data is brilliant, and supporters should be optimistic about him adding goals to their midfield – if he joins.
| Gabriel Sara’s per 90 stats past year | Rank vs midfielders in Europe |
| 2.70 shots | Top 1% |
| 6.24 shot-creating actions | Top 1% |
| 7.25 progressive passes | Top 10% |
| 2.87 progressive carries | Top 3% |
| 5.22 crosses | Top 3% |
| 3.03 key passes | Top 1% |
Statistically comparable to world-class midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Nico Barella, Sara’s ball-playing talents would instantly improve their output centrally and provide Farke with some much-need quality.
Indeed, for a price of under £20m, Leeds would be foolish not to snap Galatasaray’s hand off for the midfield magician.
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