Gabriel Sara: Galatasaray’s record-breaking transfer
New Galatasaray player Gabriel Sara of Brazil poses for a promotional photo, Istanbul, Türkiye, August 5, 2024 (Photo obtained by @GalatasaraySK via Twitter)
Galatasaray has made a significant acquisition to strengthen its midfield ahead of the new season, following a historic 5-0 defeat to Besiktas in the Turkish Super Cup. The Turkish champions have signed Norwich City’s Brazilian star Gabriel Sara to a five-year contract.
Galatasaray will pay the English club 18 million euros ($19.7 million) in nine equal installments over three years, the club’s highest transfer fee ever.
Surpassing Mario Jardel
The previous record for Galatasaray’s most expensive transfer belonged to Brazilian striker Mario Jardel, who signed for 17 million euros in the 2000-2001 season. The 25-year-old Gabriel Sara will receive a guaranteed annual salary of 2.75 million euros. Sara started his career at Sao Paulo before joining Norwich City in 2022 for 10.5 million euros. He appeared in 96 Premier League games for Norwich City, scoring 21 goals and assisting 17 times.
Historical transfers in Super Lig
Galatasaray has signed 204 foreign players since the formation of the Turkish Süper Lig (formerly known as Turkey’s First Football League) in 1959. This milestone highlights the club’s long history of international signings.
Most expensive transfers in Super Lig history
The year 2023 saw some of the most significant transfers in Super Lig history. Fenerbahce set a record by signing Youssef En-Nesyri from Sevilla for 19.5 million euros, while Galatasaray responded with the 18 million euro signing of Sara. These transactions have altered the list of the most expensive transfers in the league’s history.
| Rank | Player | Club | Transfer Fee (EUR) | Transfer Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Youssef En-Nesyri | Fenerbahçe | €19.5 million | $21.45 million |
| 2 | Gabriel Sara | Galatasaray | €18 million | $19.8 million |
| 3 | Mario Jardel | Galatasaray | €17.05 million | $18.755 million |
| 4 | Cengiz Ünder | Fenerbahçe | €15 million | $16.5 million |
| 5 | Nicolo Zaniolo | Galatasaray | €15 million | $16.5 million |
| 6 | Dani Güiza | Fenerbahçe | €14 million | $15.4 million |
| 7 | Mbaye Diagne | Galatasaray | €13 million | $14.3 million |
| 8 | Emmanuel Emenike | Fenerbahçe | €13 million | $14.3 million |
| 9 | Bruma | Galatasaray | €13 million | $14.3 million |
| 10 | Al-Musrati | Beşiktaş | €11 million | $12.1 million |
Galatasaray’s strategic signing of Sara not only sets a new club record but also signifies the club’s ambition and competitive spirit as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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