Everton could sign the ‘full package’ who is outperforming James Garner in several stats
David Moyes is eyeing several improvements to his Everton squad in January, and unsurprisingly, a new midfielder is on the agenda.
Everton are doing their best to tie James Garner down to a new contract, with his current deal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium expiring in June.
Garner has played an integral role for Everton this season, becoming arguably Moyes’ most consistent player in the starting lineup.
But with the prospect of him leaving on a free transfer and Idrissa Gueye possibly following him out of the door, the Toffees could sign someone tailor-made for top-flight football.
Gabriel Sara leaves Norwich City for #Galatasaray after performing as one of the best players in the Championship last season.
— Nathan (@nathanevans94) August 5, 2024
During the 23/24 campaign, he ranked in the top three league-wide for chances created (121) and passes into the box (377). He also produced 25 G/A #NCFC pic.twitter.com/h9jImUPAG8
Everton target Gabriel Sara dreams of playing in the Premier League
Everton are targeting Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara this month after being linked with the 26-year-old in the summer.
Galatasaray have made it clear that only offers exceeding £17million will be considered, and the Turkish giants are “almost certain” a bid will be made for the Brazilian.
Sara moved to Turkey from Norwich City in 2024 after becoming one of the Championship’s leading lights after producing 25 goal involvements from midfield during the 2023/24 campaign.
Former Norwich teammate Kenny McLean even lauded Sara as the ‘full package’, having showcased his versatility as a number six, box-to-box midfielder or number 10.
Encouragingly for Everton, Sara already outlined his ‘dream’ of playing in the Premier League during an interview with Sky Sports in December 2023.
“To play in the Premier League has always been my dream since I was a kid. Even now, I cannot see being far away from England in the future,” he admitted.
“Just going back to Brazil, but I love being here, I love playing here. I think it’s the best league in the world, more organised and everything, so it’s my personal dream.”
Sara has outperformed James Garner
Sara’s comments on playing in the Premier League one day will fill supporters with confidence that a return to England is possible, and Gala’s No.8 can offer strong competition in the engine room.
| Gabriel Sara | Stats | James Garner |
| 2.99 | Shots total | 1.17 |
| 6.64 | Progressive passes | 4.41 |
| 2.66 | Progressive carries | 0.98 |
| 0.83 | Successful take-ons | 0.53 |
| 1.33 | Tackles | 2.62 |
| 2.82 | Key passes | 1.03 |
As delineated by the above table, Sara offers more of an attacking threat than Garner from midfield, having averaged more carries, progressive passes and take-ons per game in the past year.
Considering Garner has fielded interest from Manchester United on the back of his incredible performances, it proves what an incredible talent the Galatasaray man is, and he could offer the goalscoring threat that Everton have missed in midfield.