Everton and Crystal Palace are alive to the possibility of signing Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel, who has grown significantly in the past 12 months.
The centre-back has become a key player for the Italian side since joining for just €2m in January 2025. This is now his second full season and the defender has played eight times in all competitions, also chipping in with two goals.
Sport Witness have previously tracked how Fulham were interested in a late move for the Portuguese player in the summer. A deal never went through, even though his agent Jorge Mendes was attempting to find a new club for Gabriel.
Now, an exit could be on the cards again, with Everton and Crystal Palace competing.
Scouts lining up for player
Tuttomercatoweb report that the situation around Gabriel is starting to become ‘hot’. Several clubs are keeping close eye on him and have sent scouts to watch him this season.
As a result, competition for his signature has increased. Everton and Crystal Palace are ‘making moves’ for his possible arrival, having sought information about a deal already.
Gabriel signed a new contract some weeks ago and his deal at Lecce now runs out in 2030. But this was the Via Del Mare club’s way of increasing his valuation, which now stands at between €25m and €30m.
The report notes that Lecce are keen on making a huge capital gain from the sale. Milan and Fiorentina are also in the hunt, with La Viola having already spoken to Mendes about a possible deal.
The expectation is that January will be a heated window for the player, with Crystal Palace and Everton now especially keen.
Our take: Agent trying to iron out exit
In the summer, Mendes held meetings with Milan to help Gabriel find a new club. That attempt never came to fruition but it does suggest that the player is nearing an exit.
While the 21-year-old isn’t exceptional on the ball, he is a very good pure defender. He could easily thrive in the Premier League because of his physical attributes. This could be a key reason behind interest from Everton and Crystal Palace.
The two clubs should keep themselves in the chase for Gabriel, who is clearly on the right track. Lecce have become a very recognised selling club in recent years and if the right price is offered, they will move on from the player.
