Report – Napoli Join Race to Sign In-Demand Lecce Starlet | OneFootball

Napoli have reportedly added Lecce ace Tiago Gabriel to their shortlist as they aim to strengthen their defensive options. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Partenopei are set to rival Milan and Inter for the 21-year-old’s signature.

Signed from Estrela de Amadora in 2025, Gabriel has grown to become one of Lecce’s standout performers under Eusebio Di Francesco. Only last season, he made 37 Serie A appearances, helping the Puglia minnows avoid relegation by the skin of their teeth.

Gabriel’s rise to stardom at Stadio Via del Mare has not gone unnoticed. Several top Italian clubs, including Milan and Inter, have been keeping close tabs on his development over the past 12 months.

With no shortage of high-profile suitors, Lecce may have already resigned themselves to losing the highly rated center-back this summer. Adding to this sentiment, Gabriel’s contract is due to expire next summer, which only creates a sense of urgency.

Our take on Napoli & Tiago Gabriel

Pressured by the clock, Lecce have a decision to make. They can either make a decent profit from Gabriel’s sale this summer or accept the risk of losing him on a free transfer next year. Given the club’s unenviable financial situation, it’s reasonable to assume they’ll choose the first option.

Moreover, they’ve already slapped a €20 million price tag on Gabriel in anticipation of a bidding war. However, Napoli may have a clear path to the Portuguese defender, especially now that Milan have signed Mario Gila.

New boss Massimiliano Allegri is frantically searching for defensive reinforcements in the wake of Alessandro Buongiorno’s latest injury. Oumar Solet and Federico Gatti are among his targets, but Gabriel would be a much more affordable solution.