- 19 Nov 2024
CONFIRMED: Galatasaray close in on agreement to sign Norwich City midfielder Sara
Galatasaray are on the verge of signing 25-year-old midfielder Gabriel Sara from Norwich City, FootballTransfers can confirm.
We are told that the Super Lig club will pay €23 million for the Brazilian, with an additional €3 million in performance-related bonuses. Sara has agreed to a contract with Galatasaray that will run until 2029.
Sara had an impressive 2023/24 season with Norwich, contributing 14 goals and 13 assists across 53 appearances in all competitions. His standout performances earned him a spot in the Championship Team of the Season.
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Although Sara was under contract with Norwich until June 2026, with an option for an additional year, his remarkable form in England's second division drew interest from Galatasaray.
The transfer was brokered by agency Carlos Leite, who have the likes of Fluminense's Andre and Wolves player Joao Gomes among their clientele.
Since joining Norwich in 2022 from Sao Paulo, where he developed through the youth ranks and spent three years in the first team, Sara quickly made his mark and joined Norwich in 2022 for €10.50m. In his inaugural season in England, he recorded seven goals and four assists in 43 matches.
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Sao Paulo to receive funds from move
As part of the transfer, Sao Paulo will receive a percentage of the total fee in line with FIFA's solidarity mechanism, which calculates to €1.3m.
Crystal Palace, Leicester City, and Serie A side Atalanta were also reportedly interested in the midfielder. However, it was uncertain if the Brazilian would transfer to those clubs.
The player has two years remaining on his contract at Carrow Road, and the Canaries have the option to extend it by an additional year.