Benfica ‘pull out’ of Tiago Gabriel move over Lecce demands

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·18 July 2026

Benfica ‘pull out’ of Tiago Gabriel move over Lecce demands

Benfica have ended their pursuit of Tiago Gabriel after Lecce resisted an offer of about 20 million euros, a stance that prompted Rui Costa to step back.

O JOGO reports that the 21-year-old Portuguese centre-back fits Benfica’s profile, but the board views the deal as beyond their financial expectations.

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Lecce are seeking close to 25 million euros to enter talks, a price that pushed Benfica out, even as another target, the Famalicão player Ibrahima Ba, headed to Strasbourg.

Gabriel joined Lecce from Estrela da Amadora in January 2025 for 1.2 million euros. He established himself in Serie A last season with 39 appearances and two goals.

Standing 1.96 metres, his tackling and positioning have drawn interest in Italy and across other top-five leagues. He is currently valued at 15 million euros.

Source: Glorioso 1904