Official! To fend off suitors, Benfica target signs until 2030 | OneFootball

Lecce moved quickly to secure one of the key figures in the squad. The Italian club announced this Thursday the contract renewal of Tiago Gabriel, a 21-year-old Portuguese centre-back who had been on Benfica’s radar, extending his deal until June 2030.

A Portugal under-21 international, the defender has been one of the standout performers at the start of the Serie A season and has attracted the attention of several European clubs. Faced with growing interest, Lecce decided to move forward with a new agreement, which also includes a significant pay rise.

The renewal comes as a direct response to the interest Tiago Gabriel received during the last transfer window. The new contract allows the Italian club to increase the centre-back’s value, rewarding the status he has earned in the first team and making a potential short-term departure more difficult.

During July and August, several clubs sought information about the Portuguese player. Jorge Mendes, the player’s agent, is said to have received approaches from several top clubs, at a time when Tiago Gabriel was beginning to establish himself as one of the young prospects in Italian football.

Benfica’s interest in Tiago Gabriel comes at a time of major upheaval in the heart of the defence. The Eagles lost Nicolás Otamendi, who joined River Plate on a free transfer, and António Silva, who moved to Bournemouth for an initial fee of €20 million. It is worth noting that the Eagles signed Clément Lenglet and Alessandro Circati for the role during the summer transfer window.

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