Benfica have intensified their efforts to secure Portuguese centre-back Tiago Gabriel from Lecce, though the Italian side’s €20 million asking price is complicating the transfer. The 21-year-old has emerged as a priority target for the Lisbon club as they seek defensive reinforcements this summer.
Milan exit paves way for Benfica
The path to signing Tiago Gabriel has cleared somewhat for Benfica following developments at Milan. The Rossoneri had previously identified the defender as a candidate to strengthen their backline but have now shifted focus to Mario Gila. The Lazio centre-back has reportedly agreed personal terms with Milan, with the clubs negotiating a fee of €25 million plus add-ons.
This effectively removes Milan from the race for Tiago Gabriel, eliminating one competitor for his signature. Benfica now face a clearer run at the player, though the financial demands remain problematic.
Rapid rise in Serie A
Tiago Gabriel’s trajectory has been steep since arriving in Italy. Lecce acquired him from Portuguese club Estrela Amadora in January 2025 for just €1.25 million plus additional clauses. In the subsequent months, he has established himself as a regular starter, accumulating 39 Serie A appearances and scoring twice from defence.
His performances at the Stadio Via del Mare have attracted attention from several major clubs across Europe. Beyond Benfica, both Juventus and Bournemouth have been linked with moves for the young defender.
Negotiation standoff
Despite Benfica’s eagerness to bring the player back to Portugal, the €20 million valuation set by Lecce represents a substantial markup on their initial investment. The Portuguese champions are reportedly reluctant to meet this figure, creating a stalemate in discussions.
The defender remains under contract with Lecce, leaving the Italian club in a strong negotiating position. With the transfer window progressing, Benfica must decide whether to increase their offer or seek alternative targets to bolster their defensive options.