Everton and Newcastle United Prepare January Move for Gabriel Sara
Everton and Newcastle United are expected to renew their interest in Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara when the January transfer window opens. Both Premier League clubs are weighing a move for the 27-year-old Brazil international, whose recent performances have strengthened his appeal in England.
Newcastle are believed to have explored the possibility of signing Sara during the summer, but a deal did not come together. The Tyneside club are now expected to return with another offer as they look to add a versatile midfielder to their squad midway through the season.
Everton have also begun assessing a potential transfer. The Merseyside side are understood to have made preliminary enquiries through intermediaries, with a cost-conscious approach forming part of their recruitment plans. That could be significant if Galatasaray demand a substantial fee for a player who remains under contract with the Turkish champions.
Sara joined Galatasaray from Norwich City in August 2024 for a reported €18 million. He made an immediate impression in Turkey, producing a strong first campaign after arriving from England. However, his role became less prominent during the 2025/26 season following Ilkay Gundogan’s arrival. Sara played fewer than 3,000 minutes across 42 appearances in all competitions.
His circumstances have improved at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. The Brazilian has registered two goals and two assists in seven appearances, putting himself back in the spotlight and attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs.
Everton’s pursuit would make sense given the questions surrounding their midfield options. The club have signed Hayden Hackney, but uncertainty over Carlos Alcaraz’s longer-term future means they may still need another player in that area. Sara could offer a similar profile while adding creativity and attacking output to the team’s midfield.
For Newcastle, the interest dates back to the previous transfer window. The club are continuing to assess their depth, with Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba still adapting to the demands of English football. There are also concerns about Joe Willock’s future, particularly amid links connecting him with Besiktas. A player capable of operating in different midfield roles could therefore provide useful cover and competition.
Sara’s familiarity with English football may also count in his favour. His spell at Norwich means a move back to the Premier League would not require the same adjustment as a first-time transfer from abroad. That experience could make him an appealing option for clubs seeking an immediate contribution rather than a long-term development project.
His recent return to form will be an important factor in any negotiations. A strong start to the season can increase a selling club’s confidence and make a January transfer more expensive. Galatasaray have not publicly indicated whether they are prepared to let Sara leave, and their valuation has not been reported.
The timing could create a difficult decision for the Turkish club. Selling in January would give them limited time to find a replacement, while keeping Sara could risk losing a chance to secure a significant fee if Premier League interest continues. Much may depend on the player’s role in the coming months and whether an offer meets Galatasaray’s expectations.
Everton and Newcastle are therefore likely to monitor Sara’s performances before deciding how aggressively to proceed. If both clubs submit bids, competition could help determine the midfielder’s price and preferred destination. For now, a transfer remains a possibility rather than a confirmed deal, with the January window expected to clarify whether either side is ready to make a formal move.