Tiago Gabriel has previously been linked with a move to English clubs and Crystal Palace are now pushing for his signature.
The centre-back has had a quick rise to stardom at Lecce. He arrived at the club in January 2025 for around €1m and has now become one of the best young defenders in Serie A.
This led to Sport Witness covering West Ham interest. They also made a formal offer for his signature but this was quickly rejected by Lecce.
Gabriel’s future is now under question again, with Crystal Palace likely to have a shot at signing him.
Eagles push for signing
Sportmediaset report that while AC Milan are also looking to sign Gabriel, they have to be wary of the Eagles.
This is because Crystal Palace are ‘pressing hard’ to seal a deal. Lecce’s asking price is now likely to be much more accessible. A valuation of around €40m has previously been reported by the outlet. Now, Jorge Mendes holds the key to the player’s exit.
PianetaLecce note that the super-agent has established contact with the Rossoneri for the defender. He arrived in Milan yesterday to discuss several topics and this led to him offering Ruben Amorim’s side the chance to sign the lanky centre-back.
Benfica have previously been interested but they have now signed Parma’s Alessandro Circati. This is likely to help Crystal Palace, whose path towards a deal has now been cleared.
Our take: Eagles should capitalise
Currently, Crystal Palace could do with another defensive addition. Takehiro Tomiyasu has joined but it remains to be seen if he can play regularly, considering his recent injury worries. This leaves Pierre Sage’s side with only two recognised centre-backs in Jaydee Canvot and Chris Richards, with Oscar Mingueza a more versatile option.
Gabriel is only 21 and his career is going in the right direction. He fits the profile of the players Crystal Palace sign too. He offers a high potential and there is chance they could make a major capital gain in the future.
