Norwich City’s Brazilian midfielder, Gabriel Sara has been identified as a transfer target by Serie A side Roma after an impressive season at the East Anglian club.
With interest in their star midfielder increasing, the Canaries have made their intentions clear and have said that Sara will not be leaving Carrow Road this summer for less than £17 million, according to Brazillian journalist Andre Hernan on X.
How good is Gabriel Sara?
The midfielder, who turned 25 today, started his career for Brazilian side São Paulo having progressed through their youth academy. Sara was then spotted by Norwich City’s South American scouts and moved to the club in 2022 for an initial £6 million fee plus add ons.
In his first season with the Championship club, Sara won the club’s player of the season having scored 7 and assisting 4 goals. It was last season when Sara’s performances went to another level.
The 25 year old made a huge contribution to Norwich’s achievement in reaching the playoffs, scoring 13 goals and providing 12 assists in the 53 appearances made.
The Brazilian provides versatility in midfield having played in a number of positions during the 2023-24 season. Sara has the ability to play in a deeper midfield role making runs from deep and linking up play between defence and attack.
However, Sara predominantly played further forward for the majority of last season having featured in the attacking midfield role or on the right hand side of the midfield in the side’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Sara’s impact on the East Anglian side was highlighted not only in the goals scored and assists provided, but by his manager David Wagner:
“He is an outstanding player. Not only for us but in this division – no one has a doubt about this. It’s crystal clear”.
Wagner’s statement can’t be refuted given the effect Gabriel Sara had on Norwich last season. The midfielder created the third most chances in the league at an average of 2.61 chances per 90 minutes and had a pass accuracy of 85.6%. It is no surprise that clubs are targeting Gabriel Sara given the success he has had in England so far.
How likely is Sara to be playing away from Carrow Road next season?
Sara’s contract runs until 2026 with the East Anglian side so they don’t have to worry about losing the midfielder on a free transfer anytime soon.
However, given that Norwich missed out on promotion to the Premier League, it is very likely that Sara will be playing his football away from Carrow Road next season.
Coupled with the fact that the club’s parachute payments are now over, the club are likely to listen to offers for their stand out player.
When asked about whether there is pressure on selling their key players, the club’s Sporting Director Ben Knapper said that the club is always under pressure to sell as that is the model and the aim of a sustainable club.
Roma may face competition for Sara’s signature though with Crystal Palace rumoured to be interested in the Brazilian. With the sale of Michael Olise looking more likely, they may have some cash to spend to rival Roma’s interest in the 25 year old.