Sunderland Suffered Rejection In Their Interest On €30m Midfielder: Is The Price Tag Right For The Black Cats? | OneFootball

Recent reports from the Turkish press show that both Leeds United and Sunderland actively pursued Gabriel Sara during the winter transfer window. According to the outlet Fotospor, as relayed by Sport Witness, both English clubs held talks with the Brazilian midfielder. They also spoke with his current team, Galatasaray. The 26-year-old playmaker has proven himself in the Championship with Norwich City. However, he clearly isn’t in a rush to head back to the UK.

Turkish Media Exposes Transfer Interest From Leeds And Sunderland

The report suggests that Sara and the Istanbul giants felt the money offered by the Whites and the Black Cats wasn’t enough. They didn’t think the deals were worth a big mid-season move. So, the player chose to stay in the Süper Lig. His value keeps going up there after some big performances in European competitions.

The source didn’t give exact numbers for these bids. Still, the rejection shows a big gap in how the clubs value him. Sara moved to Turkey for about £15 million in 2024. Since then, he has become a key part of the Galatasaray midfield. His recent form has really boosted his reputation as a top talent. This includes a great goal and an assist in a 5-2 win over Juventus in the Champions League.

Another Turkish outlet, Sabah, as relayed by the same newspaper, claims that European scouts watched the Juventus game. His skill on the ball blew them away. Galatasaray now reportedly want over €30 million for the midfielder. Any future move by Sunderland or Leeds would take a massive financial effort. Such a deal would be much bigger than their previous winter offers.

Is a €30m Price Tag Actually a Good Deal for Sunderland?

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – DECEMBER 5: Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray looks on during the Trendyol Süper Lig match between Galatasaray SK and Samsunspor at Rams Park Stadium on December 5, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Looking at the situation, it’s clear that recruitment has changed for a club like Sunderland. This is especially true since they are fighting for a mid-table spot in the Premier League as of February 2026. The Black Cats have shown they mean business by going after a player of Sara’s quality. However, the rumoured €30 million price tag seems like a lot. The team are still trying to establish themselves in the top flight.

The Brazilian turns 27 this summer and is right on the edge of the Brazil national squad. He brings a combination of South American style and experience in the English leagues. Sunderland usually focus on signing younger players they can sell for a profit later. Putting so much of the budget into one player in the middle of his career goes against that plan.

Régis Le Bris obviously might like how Sara can play different roles. However, sticking with local talent and smart loan deals might be a better way to grow in a sustainable manner. If the Black Cats really want to push for Europe, they have to decide if a star signing like Sara is the right move. Otherwise, he might just be a pricey risk on a player who has already turned them down once.