Galatasaray’s stance on Gabriel Sara exit revealed amid Leeds interest
Galatasaray are reluctant to lose Gabriel Sara in the January transfer window despite interest from Leeds United and other European clubs.
The Turkish giants have placed a £17.5million price tag on the former Norwich midfielder despite speculation linking him with a return to English football.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Galatasaray are aiming to keep hold of the majority of their squad through the mid-season window as they aim to progress further into the Champions League’s late stages.
Daniel Farke‘s side have been long-term admirers of the 26-year-old since his time at Norwich City, and his potential availability has seen them linked with a renewed bid.
However, it is now considered unlikely that a move to Elland Road will take place in January.
Leeds dealt blow in pursuit of Gabriel Sara
Football Insider revealed on 6 December that Leeds could miss out on signing Sara amid concerns about whether they could meet his lofty asking price.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 26 October that Leeds could be restricted by PSR concerns in January after their big-spending summer window.
Now, Galatasaray hold the cards with regards to Sara’s future and currently have no plans to let him leave the club in the January transfer window.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Leeds are long-term admirers of him, they’ve continued to keep tabs on his situation after moving out to Turkey.
“He’s been in and out of the team there and the arrival of Ilkay Gundogan has pushed him down the pecking order at the Turkish champions.
“If Gabriel Sara was to become available in January, there are a number of clubs who will be looking at him because he’s a talented player.
“But if Galatasaray were willing to let him go, they’d be demanding around £17.5million.
“Let’s see what Galatasaray decide to do. They’ll be looking to keep hold of most of the squad as they’re competing in the Champions League and looking to retain the Turkish Super League as well.”
Daniel Farke’s transfer priority revealed at Elland Road
Sara is not the only midfielder to be linked with a move to Leeds in January, as speculation surrounding the future of Kalvin Phillips at Man City is ongoing.
However, Football Insider revealed on 5 December that Leeds are unlikely to sign Phillips and do not see the addition of a central midfielder as a priority.
Instead, Leeds are more likely to sign attacking additions when the transfer window opens, as Farke aims to bolster the depth in his front line.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 7 September that Leeds are concerned about their attacking options, with a new winger and striker on their radar.
Having scored three goals against both Liverpool and Chelsea in their last couple of games, those concerns have eased, but additions are still being targeted.
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