Sheffield United Eye Gabriel Sara as New Era Begins Under COH Sports
Sheffield United embarked on a new chapter in December 2024 when COH Sports completed their takeover, bringing an end to Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s five-year tenure as club owner. This change in ownership could usher in a period of increased financial flexibility, allowing the Blades to compete for higher-priced signings. Early transfer rumors suggest they are prepared to spend significantly in the summer, with speculation surrounding their interest in Gabriel Sara standing out.
The 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder joined Galatasaray S.K. from Norwich City last summer in a deal reportedly worth €18 million (£15.3m), though some sources indicate the fee may have exceeded £20m. Sara has continued to impress since making the switch, and if Sheffield United secure promotion to the Premier League, he could be a smart acquisition for a side that has struggled to establish itself in the top flight in recent years.
Sheffield United’s Pursuit of Gabriel Sara
A move for Sara would undoubtedly excite Sheffield United supporters. According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, the club is actively pursuing a permanent deal for the midfielder this summer. The report claims that the Blades were interested in signing him last year but were held back by financial limitations. With the club now under new ownership, those constraints should no longer be an obstacle, and bringing in the Brazilian would be a bold statement of intent.
Sara is likely to be enticed by the prospect of Premier League football. Having excelled over the past two seasons, he has shown the potential to thrive at the highest level if given the opportunity.
Sheffield United are currently in second place in the Championship, but their position remains under threat, with Burnley trailing by just two points. With eight games left to play, the promotion race is heating up, and securing a return to the Premier League could significantly enhance their ability to attract top-tier talent in the summer transfer window.
What Sara Could Bring to Sheffield United
Sara played a key role in Norwich City’s push for the Championship playoffs last season and has carried that form into the Turkish Süper Lig. His statistics from the 2023-24 campaign with Norwich were outstanding—he contributed 13 goals and 12 assists in 46 league appearances, a tally only bettered by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall among midfielders.
Beyond his goal contributions, his underlying numbers (via FotMob) showcase his all-around influence. He created 2.61 chances per game, completed 3.60 accurate long passes per 90 minutes, and delivered 1.97 successful crosses. Defensively, he was equally effective, winning 54 tackles, 219 duels, and making 30 blocks—ranking in the top 10 percentile for Championship midfielders.
Since moving to Galatasaray, his attacking output has remained strong despite the higher level of competition. With eight goal contributions in 36 appearances this season, he has continued to play a key creative role alongside the defensively tenacious Lucas Torreira.
While some may view a switch to Bramall Lane as a sideways move, securing promotion to the Premier League would give Sheffield United a strong midfield core to build upon. Sara would slot in well alongside Vinicius Souza in a deeper role, complementing Gustavo Hamer’s attacking instincts. His experience working alongside Torreira at Galatasaray suggests he could provide the same defensive support in Wilder’s system, allowing him to thrive.
If the Blades achieve promotion, they will need players of Sara’s caliber to bolster their squad and improve their chances of survival in the Premier League. His arrival would be a significant step toward establishing themselves as a more competitive force in the top flight.
