Tiago Gabriel's defensive statistics in these very early Serie A appearances give an indication of his talent: 2 tackles won per game, 0.8 interceptions, 1.5 recoveries, 0.3 shots blocked, just 0.5 dribbles conceded, an average of 3.8 defensive clearances per match and no errors leading to an opposition goal.
All of these figures confirm the sound judgement of those who tried to prise the player away from Lecce during the summer.
Milan were the leading club among them. Sporting director Trinchera revealed at a press conference in recent days: "The conditions were not there to complete an operation that would have been advantageous for the club. We are a solid club that can afford the luxury of not selling an important player. I spoke with him and yesterday with Jorge Mendes. There is maximum willingness on both sides. We had agreed that we would discuss his contract at the end of the transfer window if he stayed. He had the opportunity to join a big club that would have changed his life, but this was not the right time. Now we start again, we need to fight with the right spirit and Tiago will be a protagonist."
Those words essentially confirm the potential approach from the Rossoneri club, who were ready to table a possible offer worth €20 million in total. Lecce, however, deemed that proposal insufficient to part ways with the 2004-born defender.
But what could happen in January?
AC Milan may, purely for numerical reasons, need to move for a versatile centre-back capable of covering every position in a three-man defensive unit, in line with Amorim's tactical philosophy.
There has been plenty of talk about Goncalo Inacio, as well as the possibility of opening negotiations for Ruben Dias, but Milan's excellent relationship with Jorge Mendes and Gestifute, who represent these players, including Tiago Gabriel, could lead the Rossoneri to definitively make the 2004-born defender a target for the January transfer window, as pointed out via Calcio Mercato.
Tiago Gabriel would be an ideal fit for Amorim's football, both tactically and in terms of age, and could be the perfect defensive addition for Milan. Clearly, negotiations with Lecce would be required, and the club's asking price is likely to rise following the Portuguese centre-back's impressive start to the season. It would be difficult to open talks for anything below €30 million.
That is because, although it is being reported that Tiago Gabriel’s contract expires on 30 June 2027, there is an important detail to consider: Lecce, precisely because they have no intention of giving anyone a discount, are already considering activating the automatic two-season renewal clause included in the contract signed by the former Sporting Lisbon player in January 2025.
Lecce know they have a diamond on their hands and will do everything they can to keep him: anyone who wants him, including Milan, will have to negotiate on the terms and figures demanded by the Salento club.
