Changing the manager was supposed to give Newcastle United a fresh start, but the early signs under Matthias Jaissle have been anything but convincing. The Magpies have now lost to Everton twice in five days, first crashing out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 defeat before suffering a 1-0 loss at St James’ Park in the Premier League.
The Newcastle boss admitted after the latest defeat that his players were not brave enough in possession, with too many long balls replacing the patterns and combinations worked on in training. Newcastle sit 13th after nine league games, and there is plenty for the new manager to sort out.
A midfielder who can carry the ball forward and find teammates between the lines could give them another option. Gabriel Sara is now being linked with a possible January move.
According to Fussball News, Newcastle and Everton are preparing offers for the Galatasaray midfielder ahead of the January transfer window. Napoli and AS Roma are also monitoring the 27-year-old Brazilian, while Aston Villa and Brighton have previously been linked with a move.
Galatasaray are reportedly asking for around €40 million to open negotiations, although a fee closer to €35 million could be enough to get talks underway. That is still a considerable investment, but their position appears to have shifted since the summer, when they were reluctant to entertain offers for the midfielder.
Sara spent two seasons at Norwich City before moving to Istanbul in August 2024. He left England with 20 goals and 16 assists in 88 appearances across all competitions, including an outstanding 2023/24 Championship campaign in which he scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists.
He made a productive start to life in Turkey, registering two goals and eight assists in 31 Super Lig appearances during his debut season. However, his involvement dropped in 2025/26. Despite making 42 appearances across all competitions, his league minutes fell from 2,366 to 1,840.
There was still an improvement in front of goal, with Sara scoring five league goals compared to two the previous season. His assists, however, dropped from eight to four. He has responded well this time around, recording two goals and four assists in his first ten league appearances, alongside three outings in the Champions League.
Newcastle eventually brought in Nico Gonzalez, Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur during the summer, but Sara could offer something different from the midfield options already at the club. His experience in English football and record of contributing goals and assists make him an interesting option. He is comfortable carrying the ball forward and can offer a threat around the opposition box, giving Jaissle another route to goal from midfield.
With Everton also reportedly preparing an offer and several other clubs monitoring the situation, Newcastle could face competition if they decide to pursue the Brazilian. Galatasaray’s reported €40 million valuation will be another hurdle, particularly after the Magpies’ investment in midfield during the summer.
For now, Sara remains an interesting name to watch as the January window approaches.
