Pedro Sousa rates Benfica target Tiago Gabriel as Portugal’s second-best centre-back | OneFootball

Benfica’s interest in Tiago Gabriel continues to prompt debate, but a deal looks difficult given Lecce’s price. According to Glorioso 1904, the 21-year-old impressed in Serie A and his fee is the main obstacle.

On Mercado NOW, Pedro Sousa said the Portugal under-21 international is, in his view, the country’s second-best centre-back behind Rúben Dias. He also voiced surprise at his omission from the senior squad, and noted Lecce are seeking around 20 million euros.

Benfica are also weighing other centre-back options. José Nunes believes the plan, led by Rui Costa, is to sign two with different profiles, with Jorge Cuenca and Stefan de Vrij fitting that brief.

Gonçalo Monteiro cautioned that a move could bring adaptation challenges. Lecce fight for survival and defend closer to their box, a very different context to what he would face at the Luz.

In 2025/26 he is valued at 15 million euros and has played 39 competitive games for Lecce, 37 in Serie A and two in the Italian Cup. Across 3,400 minutes he has scored two goals.

Source: Glorioso 1904