Tiago Gabriel: Lecce's Rising Star Linked with AC Milan

Lecce’s latest breakout defender, Tiago Gabriel, is fast becoming one of the most talked‑about names of the summer – and his future now sits in the hands of one of football’s most powerful agents.

After a standout 2025/26 campaign in Serie A, the young centre-back has drawn serious interest from abroad. Crystal Palace have joined the chase, while Benfica moved early with a €20 million bid. That offer, made earlier in the summer, was rejected by Lecce, who know they are holding a valuable asset.

With negotiations stalling there, Jorge Mendes has gone back to work.

The super-agent is sounding out fresh options and, according to reports in Italy, has put Tiago Gabriel on Milan’s table. Alfredo Pedullà reports that Mendes has offered the player to the Rossoneri, reopening a door that has been ajar for some time given the close relationship between the club and the Portuguese agent.

Mendes was in Milan today to finalise a deal for Diego Moreira, and during those talks, Gabriel’s name is understood to have come up again. Milan have already placed the Lecce defender on their shortlist and have made initial contact with the Apulian club.

For now, that is where it stops. No formal offer, no agreement – just a highly rated defender, a club that has already turned down €20 million, and a super-agent testing the market.

Crystal Palace are watching. Benfica have already tried and failed. Milan have been invited to the table.

The next move belongs to the Rossoneri.