Lecce Starlet Tiago Gabriel Tracked By Serie A Trio Including Both Milan Clubs

Tiago Gabriel has emerged as a transfer target for a host of European heavyweights including Serie A giants AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus. 

The Lecce center-back has an army of admirers having starred for the Giallorossi since making his debut in April last year. The 21-year-old only joined the club for €1million from Estrela de Amadora 12 months ago.

His rapid rise has not gone unnoticed and head coach Eusebio Di Francesco is expecting a flurry of inquiries. Many of which will come from a number of the continent’s biggest sides.

🇪🇺 Top 5 League U21 Players: Interceptions

◉ 99 — Jérémy Jacquet (Rennes, 20)
◎ 97 — Vitor Reis (Girona, 19)
◎ 97 — Luka Vušković (Hamburger SV, 18)
◎ 95 — Samson Baidoo (Lens, 21)
◎ 90 — Tiago Gabriel (Lecce, 21)

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Tiago Gabriel Transfer News Reveals Serie A Interest

With Liverpool targeting Alessandro Bastoni, Inter Milan has sounded out Tiago Gabriel as a potential replacement for the Italy international.

Inter will fight hard to keep Bastoni at the San Siro but Gabriel is very much on their radar as more of a precaution at this stage.

However, if Gabriel continues to shine, they could become the Nerazzurri’s new center-back pairing. A vision in which head coach Cristian Chivu would love to come to fruition.

Elsewhere, rivals AC Milan are also throwing their name into the mix. After a hugely underwhelming 2024-25 campaign, AC is back in the title mix this time around.

Under the guidance of Max Allegri, the Rossoneri are proving to be the attractive force they once were that delivered a number of major trophies. Something of which Gabriel will crave as his career advances.

Although Milan are pursuing John Stones, bringing in someone more youthful such as Gabriel will prove hugely beneficial in the long-run.

As for Juventus, Pierre Kalulu’s Bianconeri future has come under the microscope. A number of English Premier League sides are pursuing the Frenchman for the summer window.

They include the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham. Therefore, Gabriel has been shortlisted as a successor for the former AC man.

What Other Clubs Are Chasing Tiago Gabriel?

Across the continent, Barcelona and Bayern want Gabriel. And with his old school yet modernized style of play as a towering center-back, it’s easy to see why.

The Portuguese-born star has recorded an impressive 90 interceptions for Lecce in 21 outings. Standing at 6ft 5in, Gabriel rarely loses an aerial duel, either.

Such attributes and his overall presence is certainly a huge appeal to the Spanish and German giants. Gabriel’s ability has also caught the attention of Champions League side Newcastle.

The Magpies are keen for defensive reinforcements and have reportedly set money aside to try and lure Gabriel to St James’ Park. At this stage though, they have merely scouted the youngster.

Head coach Eddie Howe and his staff will decide whether the Giallorossi fan favorite has the potential to impress in the fast and rigorous pace of the English Premier League in the coming months.

That is also an opinion that is being shared by Brentford and West Ham. The latter’s own pursuit will depend on what league they are playing in next season whereas the Bees are pushing for European soccer.

How Much Will Lecce Demand For Gabriel?

Not only is Tiago Gabriel generating a number of keen admirers this season, his favorable price tag makes his potential signing less risky.

Various reports are suggesting that €20million will be enough to tempt Lecce into negotiations. Many will consider that as a bargain if Gabriel hits the heights expected of him.

If the Portugal Under 21 international continues to flourish, the Giallorossi could easily demand double that fee. And with the race for his signature set to intensify, suitors would happily shell out.

For now though, Gabriel remains a star in the making and has all the credentials to go to the very top. It’s fair to assume he won’t be at the Stadio Via del mare too much longer.

With that in mind, the slick and stylish defender will need to bide his time and pick his next employers with careful consideration so he continues on his upward trajectory.