Napoli is actively pursuing Lecce’s young defender, Tiago Gabriel, and will use Saturday’s match against his team to closely scout the player. According to Corriere dello Sport, the defender was already a target for several clubs in January, but Lecce managed to retain him.
Lecce’s director, Pantaleo Corvino, confirmed the Azzurri’s interest in an interview with Radio Kiss Kiss but noted it’s too early to discuss a potential move for the center-back to Campania.
Per Nicolò Schira, Napoli will face significant competition for Gabriel’s signature. Lecce rejected a €22 million offer from Brentford in the last transfer window and expects to sell the player for €30 million. Milan giants Inter and Milan, as well as Juventus, have also monitored him, but Napoli has shown the most persistence. Primary competition is anticipated from the Premier League.
The 21-year-old Tiago Gabriel began his career at Estrela Amadora before moving to Italy in January 2025 for just over €1 million, quickly becoming a key player for Lecce. Meanwhile, the Partenopei are reviewing their defensive lineup: last summer’s acquisition Sam Beukema has not met expectations, and Juan Jesus’s contract is expiring, with extension talks lagging.
Considering these factors and potential tactical changes within the team, acquiring a talented defender like Gabriel becomes a priority for Napoli, although integrating young players is always a challenging task.
