Tiago Gabriel Attracts Major Interest After Standout Season

Lecce look set to face another fight to keep hold of one of their emerging stars, with Tiago Gabriel drawing serious attention after a standout 2025/26 season in Serie A.

The young centre-back has pushed his way onto the radar of several major clubs, and the market around him is starting to move. Crystal Palace are in the running, testing the waters as they look to strengthen their defence from abroad. Benfica have already made their move: the Portuguese side saw a €20 million bid turned down earlier in the summer, a clear signal from Lecce that they believe Gabriel is worth more or that they are in no rush to sell.

That rejection has opened the door for Jorge Mendes to step fully into the spotlight. The super-agent is now actively sounding out alternatives, offering Gabriel to clubs capable of matching Lecce’s demands and the player’s ambitions. Among those, Milan have been given a fresh chance.

Alfredo Pedullà reports that Mendes has proposed Gabriel to the Rossoneri, a club with whom he maintains a close relationship. It is not the first time Milan have been presented with the opportunity to sign the defender, but the timing feels different now.

Mendes landed in Milan today to wrap up a deal involving Diego Moreira. During those talks, Gabriel’s name came back onto the table. Milan, always alert to young defensive talent, have placed him on their shortlist and have already made initial contact with Lecce.

For now, that is where it stops. No formal offer, no agreement, just a line of communication and a player firmly in demand. Lecce know they hold a valuable asset. Milan know the door is open. The question is who steps through it first: a Premier League bidder like Crystal Palace, a returning suitor in Benfica, or a Rossoneri side still shaping their future at the back.