Everton work to sign Brazilian after ‘surprising development’ with January bid coming
Everton’s January plans are already beginning to take shape, with David Moyes being linked with possible additions at both ends of the pitch.
Teun Koopmeiners has returned to the conversation after struggling for regular football at Juventus.
Everton reportedly monitored the Netherlands international during the summer and could revisit the situation if the Italian club make him available on loan or for a permanent move.
Younes Ebnoutalib is another player attracting attention.
Everton are among several Premier League clubs watching the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, with Newcastle, Tottenham and Brighton also tracking his progress ahead of the winter window.
A new centre-forward remains an obvious area to address, but the Koopmeiners story suggests Moyes is also open to improving a midfield which already contains James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
That search has now produced another name.
Everton begin work to sign Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara
Turkish newspaper Takvim reports that Everton have begun working on signing Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara after a ‘surprising development’, and plan to hold discussions with the Istanbul club in January.
They also claim that the Toffees are expected to make a formal bid.
Sara is no stranger to English football.
The Brazilian spent two seasons with Norwich City before moving to Galatasaray in 2024, so he already understands the pace and physical demands of the domestic game.
His form this season helps explain why Everton are looking.
Why Everton want to sign Gabriel Sara
Sara has made seven appearances across all competitions this season, scoring twice and providing two assists, and four direct goal contributions from midfield represents an encouraging return at this stage of the campaign.
That extra threat from deep has often been missing from Everton’s midfield.
Sara, 27, can play as a traditional central midfielder, operate further forward or take on a deeper role. He is also left-footed, which would give Moyes a different angle when Everton attempt to play through pressure.
Everton are not short of midfield bodies.
Garner, Hackney and Dewsbury-Hall have all been important, while Harrison Armstrong, Merlin Rohl and Carlos Alcaraz offer further options.
However, Alcaraz has been linked with a January exit and Fenerbahçe are reportedly interested. Everton are unlikely to let him leave without finding a replacement, and Sara could provide more creativity and experience in that area.
There is also a wider squad argument.
Everton entered the season with limited depth and Moyes cannot afford to rely on the same small group throughout a demanding Premier League campaign.
Sara could cover several roles without needing months to understand English football.
He has also spoken openly about his ambition to play in the Premier League one day, although he stressed during the summer that his focus remained on Galatasaray.
That ambition may give Everton encouragement, but this would not be a simple deal. Sara is under contract until 2029 and Galatasaray have no obvious need to accept a reduced fee.
Even so, Sara’s versatility, creativity and previous experience in England make it easy to understand why Moyes may want him at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
