Crystal Palace and Fulham were in the hunt for Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel in the summer transfer window. The player has now opened up about his plans for the future.
The centre-back has become one of the most promising players in his position in Serie A. He has been a regular for Lecce since last season, featuring 37 times in the league in the 2025/26 campaign.
This season too, he has played six times, having also scored two goals for the club.
In the summer, Sport Witness covered how Fulham were attempting a late move for the player. They ended up with neither him nor Fikayo Tomori, as Crystal Palace’s interest had also emerged in the last few days of the window.
As Gabriel’s stock grows, he has opened up about his future.
Player’s transfer wish comes to light
The Portuguese spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport and he was quizzed about a host of issues involving his career.
When speaking about his quick rise to stardom, he said: “Honestly, no. Two years ago I made my professional debut for Estrela Amadora, and shortly before that I was playing in the fifth division. Then Lecce called me. Pantaleo Corvino and Stefano Trinchera wanted me, and I said yes right away.”
“I didn’t know the city, but I knew the team played in Serie A and that it would be a great opportunity for me. Then I looked at photos of the city I was going to, and I was even more convinced of my choice.”
Gabriel was asked about whether there was the risk of a sale in the summer. He made it clear that he is thinking day by day, for now.
“I never think about the future. Players now think day by day, and being at Lecce, I was focused solely on Lecce. Transfers don’t just depend on players, but on many other factors. We have a duty to give our best to the team we’re in.”
As well as Fulham and Crystal Palace, AC Milan had also been in the chase for the talent.
Gabriel was asked about Ruben Amorim and the idea of playing under him. He responded: “Yes, but I’ve never spoken to him about the transfer market.”
Player ready for a future transfer
Gabriel is unlikely to stay at Lecce for too long. Considering the club’s reputation, they would love to execute a major sale and possibly even replicate how they moved on from Patrick Dorgu, earning a major capital gain from the deal.
A departure to Crystal Palace or Fulham would make a lot of sense for them too. This will also help the 21-year-old develop without too much pressure. Dorgu’s move to Old Trafford heaped a lot of expectations on his shoulders and he hasn’t always thrived.
So it will be important for the defender to make informed decisions that suit his career best.
