Napoli's Midfield Search: Rabiot or Sara?
Napoli have identified two alternatives at central midfield amid uncertainty over Anguissa's future: Rabiot and Galatasaray's Gabriel Sara. Here's how the three compare statistically this season.
Napoli Scouting Two Names for Midfield Reinforcement
With Frank Anguissa's future still unresolved, Napoli have launched a wide search for central midfield reinforcements. Their first target is reportedly Adrien Rabiot, currently at Milan, who is said to be motivated by the chance to reunite with Massimiliano Allegri. However, the deal's complexity due to inter-club negotiations makes it far from straightforward.
Should the Rabiot deal stall, Napoli are expected to turn to Galatasaray's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara as their next option. Sara has reportedly caught Carlo Ancelotti's eye and featured in World Cup scouting reports — while considered an "alternative" for the Italian side, he's viewed as one of the stronger options in their midfield rotation plans.
Rabiot at Milan: Elite-Level Consistency
According to StatsLook data, Rabiot made 30 appearances for Milan in 2025/2026, contributing 6 goals and 4 assists. His average rating of 7.25 placed him in the top 1% of Serie A central midfielders — pointing to one of the most consistent performances in the league this season.
His profile leans heavily toward duels and defensive work: he ranks highly in duels won (5.93 per 90) and ball recovery (5.22), and posts strong aerial numbers (1.55, top 15%). Creativity metrics like key passes (1.06) and big chances created (0.21) are comparatively modest — suggesting a box-to-box profile built around balance and physical presence rather than playmaking.
Gabriel Sara at Galatasaray: The Creative Engine
Sara made 39 appearances for Galatasaray this season, recording 6 goals and 5 assists, with an average rating of 7.20 placing him in the top 7% at his position. Unlike Rabiot, Sara's profile is distinctly creative: he ranks 1st among all Süper Lig midfielders in total crosses (6.39 per 90) and 2nd in key passes (2.86).
He also ranks in the top percentile for big chances created (0.38, top 4% of the league), suggesting he could offer Napoli both goal contribution and playmaking upside. His defensive numbers are less prominent (40th in ball recovery), reflecting a role skewed more toward attack.
Where Anguissa Currently Stands
Napoli's incumbent, Anguissa, also had a solid campaign: 22 matches, 4 goals, and an average rating of 6.92 that placed him in the top 25% at his position. He ranks 3rd in the league in aerials won (2.53 per 90) and 3rd in goal contribution (0.29 per 90) — a profile built on physical presence and a strong scoring instinct.
Which Profile Fits Napoli Best?
The numbers paint two very different pictures. Rabiot offers a like-for-like replacement for Anguissa's physical, duel-heavy profile, while Sara brings a more creative, chance-generating dimension to the role. Napoli's eventual choice will likely come down to which attacking need the club wants to prioritize.
This article is based on reporting published by Haber Merkezi via NTV Spor. Statistics sourced from the StatsLook database.
