Aston Villa Eye Summer Swoop For The Galatasaray Midfielder: What Should The Lions Do? | OneFootball

If a recent report from Foot Mercato is believed to be true, Aston Villa are weighing up a summer move for Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara. The Turkish champions are also in discussions over Emiliano Martinez and Lucas Digne; however, the two deals are mutually exclusive and do not involve a player swap.

The 25-year-old Brazilian progressed through Sao Paulo’s academy ranks and eventually secured a regular first-team role for the Tricolour Paulista. Norwich City roped him in for €10.50m in July 2022, and after a couple of seasons in the English Championship, Sara plied his trade to Turkey to join the Yellow-Reds last summer.

Having scored twice and laid on 10 times in 45 appearances across competitions [stats via Transfermarket], the midfield ace grabbed the attention of Aston Villa. He is valued at €20m, and the Premier League outfit could bring him in due to uncertainties over the future of several first-team stars.

Why Aston Villa Are Chasing Sara

Despite ample options in the centre of the pitch, the Lions might reluctantly part ways with Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara in the ongoing transfer window. The midfield pair have drawn interest from Saudi Arabia, and their summer exit would help ease PSR concerns by freeing up funds. Enzo Barrenechea has plenty of suitors in Spain after impressing on loan at Valencia, and the Argentine could also be offloaded in due time if Unai Emery does not consider him in his first-team plans.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MARCH 14: Gabriel Sara of Galatasaray is challenged by Veysel Sari of Antalyaspor during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Antalyaspor at Rams Park Stadium on March 14, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

The Turks are keen on Martinez and Digne to bolster their defensive third. Martinez is a man in demand with offers from Manchester United as well as the Middle East. But the Villa custodian would prefer to stay in Europe, as revealed by The Athletic. Digne has entered the final year of his contract and has emerged as a target for Atletico Madrid.

Rojiblancos have made Andrew Robertson a priority signing, but could switch their focus to the Frenchman in case they fail to land the Liverpool veteran. While Galatasaray might table a bid of around €27m for the duo, Aston Villa must demand more, considering their experience of the highest order.

Sara, on the other hand, is known for his swift passing, creative spark, set-piece expertise and ball-carrying traits. He would slot in deep down the midfield as a ‘double pivot’ in Emery’s 4-2-3-1 formation, but is expected to make box-to-box runs and operate in the advanced areas. It remains to be seen how Monchi and co balance the books.