Newly appointed Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly identified his first major transfer target, with Spurs initiating contact for Galatasaray’s midfield maestro Gabriel Sara.
Despite a turbulent campaign that sees the North London club hovering just one point above the relegation zone, the hierarchy is already backing De Zerbi’s five-year vision. According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham have made preliminary inquiries with Sara’s representatives regarding a return to English soil this summer.
The “Missing Link” in Midfield
Sara, 26, has seen his stock soar since joining the “Lions” from Norwich City in 2024 for €23 million. After a dominant season in the Süper Lig—including five goals and two assists in 24 appearances—the Brazilian playmaker recently earned his first senior call-up to the Seleção.
De Zerbi reportedly views Sara as the ideal “progressive carrier” to revitalize a Spurs engine room that has struggled for invention. His previous experience at Norwich is seen as a significant advantage, as he would require no adjustment period to the physical demands of the Premier League.
The €40 Million Price Tag
Securing the Brazilian will not be a bargain. Galatasaray management has reportedly set a firm floor of €40 million (£34m) for their star man. While Spurs are currently the frontrunners, they face stiff competition from Brighton & Hove Albion, who are eager to reunite Sara with his former Süper Lig rival, Ferdi Kadıoğlu.
However, any final agreement is likely contingent on Tottenham’s survival. While De Zerbi’s contract notably lacks a relegation release clause, a move to the Championship would almost certainly derail a raid on a Champions League-caliber talent like Sara.
A Triple Raid in the Works?
The interest in Sara appears to be part of a wider “Triple Raid” on the Turkish giants. Reports suggest Spurs are also monitoring:
Uğurcan Çakır: The goalkeeper is seen as a priority replacement for Guglielmo Vicario, who has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan.
Barış Alper Yılmaz: The versatile winger, who has racked up 10 goals and 14 assists this season, is viewed as a high-upside reinforcement for an aging frontline.
