Price complicates Benfica move for Lecce defender Tiago Gabriel | OneFootball

Benfica are pushing to reinforce their defence for next season, but Lecce centre-back Tiago Gabriel is viewed as too expensive.

According to Glorioso 1904, the cost of any deal is a key obstacle. The Portugal under-21 international’s value rose after a breakout Serie A campaign, complicating any move.

Rui Costa, Mário Branco and Marco Silva are prioritising two centre-backs with different profiles, one experienced and one with potential. Multiple alternatives remain under review to strengthen a department that has suffered notable losses.

With Nicolás Otamendi departing for River Plate and Tomás Araújo at the World Cup, Benfica face a delicate start to pre-season. At present, António Silva is the only first-team centre-back available to begin training.

In 2025/26, Tiago Gabriel, valued at 15 million euros, made 39 appearances for Lecce, 37 in Serie A and two in the Italian Cup. He logged 3,400 minutes and scored two goals.

Source: Glorioso 1904