Benfica is interested in signing Lecce's 21-year-old Portuguese central defender, Tiago Gabriel. It is reported that Benfica is trying to sign the player ahead of AC Milan. Milan's interest in Gabriel may be decreasing after they signed Mario Gila. The idea of returning to his home country is said to appeal to the defender. His contract with Lecce expires in June 2027. Both interested clubs have qualified for the Europa League. Benfica is scheduled to begin its campaign in the preliminary rounds against Swiss club St. Gallen. The Portugal U21 international joined Lecce in January 2025 for a fee that was reported to be €2.3 million. He made 39 appearances and scored 2 goals in the 2025/2026 Serie A season. In January 2026, Lecce reportedly rejected a bid from Brentford valued at €17 million plus €3 million in bonuses. The club's asking price during that period was cited as €30 million.