Tiago Gabriel: Lecce Defender Attracts Interest from Milan and Palace

Lecce’s latest breakout defender, Tiago Gabriel, is fast becoming one of the most talked‑about names of the summer – and Jorge Mendes is right in the middle of it.

After an eye-catching 2025/26 season in Serie A, the young centre-back has drawn serious interest from abroad. Crystal Palace are in the race, sensing an opportunity to bring one of Italy’s rising defenders to the Premier League.

They are not alone. Benfica have already tried to move first. The Portuguese club pushed with a €20 million bid earlier in the summer, but Lecce turned it down, holding firm on their valuation and underlining how highly they rate Gabriel.

That refusal has shifted the scene. Mendes, always quick to read a market, has started sounding out fresh options. Among them: Milan.

According to reports, the super-agent has offered Milan the chance to sign Gabriel. It is not a cold call. The Rossoneri have a long-standing, close relationship with Mendes, and this is not the first time his name has been floated at Casa Milan.

The timing is no coincidence. Mendes arrived in Milan today to finalise a deal for Diego Moreira, and during those talks Gabriel’s name resurfaced. Milan were reminded that the Lecce defender is available – at the right price.

Gabriel is already on Milan’s shortlist, and there has been initial contact with Lecce. For now, that is where it stops: groundwork laid, lines of communication open, no formal offer on the table.

Lecce wait. Palace watch. Benfica are still in the background. Milan must decide whether this is just another opportunity presented by a powerful agent, or the defensive signing that shapes their next cycle.