Aston Villa hold talks to sign £25m star with same agent as Joao Gomes

Aston Villa want to sign another midfielder after Joao Gomes, and they have opened talks regarding a deal for Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara.

Sara was lauded as “unbelievable” by Championship YouTuber Ryan Dilks during his time with Norwich City, earning a move to Galatasaray by amassing 13 goals and 12 assists in the second tier during the 2023-24 season.

Since then, the Brazilian has cut his teeth in the Champions League, making 12 appearances in Europe’s elite competition, while also receiving his first cap at international level, which came in a 2-1 friendly defeat against France back in March.

Villa have already signed one midfielder this summer, confirming the signing of Gomes on Monday, but there are signs the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man’s compatriot could be able to offer something different, as he excels in an attacking sense.

Gomes, on the other hand, is more of a defensive-minded midfielder, averaging 3.4 tackles per 90 in the Premier League for Wolves last season, which was the second-highest number in the squad.

Aston Villa open talks to sign another midfielder after Joao Gomes

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have now opened talks to sign Sara, with Galatasaray willing to offload the former Norwich City man for £25m.

The 27-year-old is prepared to return to England this summer, which suggests a deal could be possible, if the Villans are willing to stump up the Turkish side’s asking price.

However, the likes of Newcastle United and Napoli have also expressed strong interest in the central midfielder, who is represented by the same agent as Joao Gomes, so there may be competition for his signature.

Why Gabriel Sara and Joao Gomes could work well together

Sara is proficient on the front foot, creating nine big chances in the Turkish Super Lig last season, whereas Gomes clearly has a lot to offer Villa from a defensive point of view.

Over the past three seasons, the ten-cap Brazil international has made 380 tackles in the Premier League, which is 83 more than any other player, and former Wolves manager Rob Edwards has suggested he could kick on in a better side, saying: “He is a wonderful player.

“It has been hard for him because in a team that has struggled at times or if you’ve not got the results, it can be challenging.”

It will be important for Villa to improve their options in the middle of the park this summer, following Youri Tielemans’ departure to Manchester United, and the fact Sara and Gomes have different qualities means they could work well as a midfield pairing.