Sunderland’s hectic transfer window started on a sombre note when Jobe Bellingham pushed through a move to leave the Black Cats behind for German behemoth Borussia Dortmund.
At that point in time, the Wearside masses must have been fearful regarding what the rest of the window was going to look like. However, they’ve never looked back, with the likes of Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki adding in plenty of fresh personnel to their options centrally.
Still, if there’s more chances to snap up exciting options in the midfield department before the Premier League season begins, Sunderland are unlikely to turn down such a tantalising opportunity.
Sunderland knock on door for £26m star
Indeed, it’s already been proven that Regis Le Bris and Co. are not done with revamping their midfield options, as Granit Xhaka is now set to undergo a medical at the Stadium of Light.
The Swiss international – who is set to join for £17m – will offer plenty of grit and fight having starred in the testing Premier League before for Arsenal, which will be needed if Sunderland are to immediately survive in such a stressful division.
He isn’t the only midfield addition that could soon catch the eye of the Stadium of Light fanbase, however, as a new development from Turkish outlet Saba Spor, via X, indicates that the Black Cats have made an approach to Galatasaray regarding ex-Norwich City ace Gabriel Sara.
Indeed, the report suggests that the newly-promoted side have ‘knocked on the door’ of the Super Lig side regarding a potential deal, with Sara currently valued at more than €30m (£26m).
Winning Sara’s services could see Sunderland pick up their next version of young Bellingham, with Xhaka far more attuned to the defensive side of his game.
Whereas, the Brazilian is capable of being both an attacking force but also a combative and energetic option if needed, much like the brand-new Dortmund number 77.
Why Sara can be an “incredible” Bellingham replacement
Of course, there is also the aforementioned Diarra and Sadiki to chuck into the equation.
However, that duo will need time to get up to speed with their new environments, with Sara already well accustomed to the demands of the English game when starring week in week out for Norwich City in the Championship, before Turkey came calling.
In total, for the Canaries, Sara would pick up a sublime 21 goals and 17 assists from 96 appearances, which blows Bellingham’s own output for Sunderland out of the water, as he lags behind on 11 goals and four assists himself from six fewer clashes.
Yet, Sunderland only forked out £1.5m for the 19-year-old before he became an asset worthy of a hefty £27m, with Le Bris and Co. needing to splash out £26m on Sara, knowing he’s a worthy replacement for the now Bundesliga midfielder and not a project that will take time to come good.
|
Sara’s career numbers by position |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Position played |
Games played |
Goals scored |
Assists |
|
CM |
105 |
14 |
16 |
|
AM |
34 |
6 |
6 |
|
RM |
33 |
7 |
2 |
|
LM |
24 |
3 |
4 |
|
DM |
24 |
5 |
6 |
|
RW |
5 |
4 |
1 |
|
LW |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
RB |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
LB |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sourced by Transfermarkt |
|||
Sara should also be comfortable with what is required of him in the Premier League, having now experienced the challenges of a tough, top division in Turkey by amassing a blistering two goals and ten assists from 45 outings, leading to Galatasaray’s head coach Okan Buruk praising the South American for adapting “very quickly.”
He is also adaptable when it comes to where he positions himself on the pitch, when glancing at the table above, with the 26-year-old content at being a number ten, a defensive anchor, or even a winger, much like Bellingham, who similarly rotated his duties under Le Bris’ methods.
Further noted as being “incredible” by U23 football scout Antonio Mango when challenging near the top of the Championship with Norwich, it could now finally be Sara’s time to shine in the Premier League, away from all those missed opportunities in Norfolk.
Sunderland definitely look well-stocked in the midfield department ahead of next season, with Sara adding yet more quality to the ever-growing camp if he joins shortly.
Related
Their new Defoe: Sunderland submit offer to sign “world-class” striker
Sunderland could soon win the services of this potent striker as their next major purchase.
