Aston Villa Open Talks for Brazilian Midfield Star as Summer Rebuild Begins
Aston Villa have opened discussions with Galatasaray over a move for Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara, as reported by Foot Mercato, as the Midlands club begin preparations for a decisive summer window under Unai Emery.
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Villa are looking to bounce back after narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification last season. Having reached the quarter-finals in Europe, expectations have grown, and Emery is keen to strengthen his midfield ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
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Sara, described as “magical,” is valued at around £17 million by the Turkish champions after an impressive first season in Istanbul. The former Norwich City midfielder made 42 appearances, contributing two goals and ten assists, as Galatasaray clinched the Super Lig title.
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Midfield Priority for Emery
With financial constraints linked to FFP and PSR looming over Villa’s summer plans, the club are expected to offload some first-team players to balance the books. As such, Sara’s price point could represent strong value in the current market, especially given his age and output in Turkey.
Interest from European Rivals
Villa are not alone in their pursuit. Both Inter Milan and Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Sara’s situation, though no formal offers have been lodged. Whether Villa’s early move can secure an advantage remains to be seen.
Wider Strategy at Villa Park
This potential signing fits within a broader strategy. Emery is reportedly considering reinforcements in attack, including Barcelona’s Ferran Torres and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, as Villa aim to combine ambition with pragmatism in the market.
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Discussions for Sara are ongoing, and Villa remain hopeful of progressing the deal quickly.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
This is exactly the kind of move that makes sense for Villa — smart, creative and forward-thinking. Gabriel Sara is not a marquee name, but anyone who watched his rise at Norwich and then the impact he made in Turkey will know he’s a baller. Ten assists from midfield in your first season at a new club is no small feat, and at £17 million, this could be a steal.
Villa have needed that creative spark in the middle, someone who can pick a pass and change the tempo of a match. Tielemans hasn’t quite hit the heights, Ramsey is still maturing, and McGinn, for all his drive, is more box-to-box. Sara would complement what they already have.
What will excite supporters the most is that Emery is clearly targeting players who can fit into his structure without breaking the bank. And with other clubs sniffing around, it’s good to see Villa making the first move.