Transfer Market: Tiago Gabriel Among Alternatives to Ibrahima Ba

António Silva's departure from Benfica, set to sign a five-year deal with Bournemouth, is nearing completion. The Portuguese international's exit will force Benfica into the market to sign a third center-back this transfer window, following Gabriel Índio and Clément Lenglet. As A BOLA reported, the Eagles' preferred successor for the number 4 shirt was Ibrahima Ba, but the Senegalese defender never received an offer and is now heading to Strasbourg, joining Hugo Oliveira, the coach who helped him 'explode' at Vila Nova. The deal could bring Famalicão up to 20 million euros, including fixed fees and bonuses.

With Ba out of the picture, Benfica is already considering alternatives to provide Marco Silva with the reinforcement he desires, and Tiago Gabriel's name is well-regarded at the Estádio da Luz. Having spent most of his youth career at Sporting, the 21-year-old center-back emerged at Estrela da Amadora in the 2024/25 season. In the January transfer window of that season, he was signed by Lecce for 2.25 million euros. More than just a promising talent, Tiago Gabriel is already a proven asset in Serie A. Last season, he was a regular starter in Lecce's defense, featuring in 44 games and finishing the season in the top 10 of the Italian league for several defensive statistics.

By excelling in Serie A, Tiago Gabriel naturally caught the attention of Luís Freire, and the U21 national team coach handed him a starting spot in the young Portuguese squad. The defender stands out for his imposing presence (he is 1.96m tall) and his aerial ability, fitting the profile of a more physical center-back that Benfica's SAD is looking for to bolster their defense.

Benfica's initial inquiry for Tiago Gabriel occurred several weeks ago, and signing the defender would involve an investment similar to what would have been required to bring Ba from Famalicão. Lecce is asking for 20 million euros, with Estrela da Amadora retaining 10% of the player's rights from his 2025 sale. In round figures, if he is sold for the aforementioned 20 million, two million will go into Estrela's coffers.

The process is still in its very early stages, with no ongoing negotiations, but Benfica will need to accelerate their efforts. The new season officially kicks off in a week, on the 23rd, in Switzerland, against St. Gallen, marking the start of their Europa League qualification campaign. António Silva's presence in the squad for that match (or even the entire tie against the Swiss side) is not guaranteed, and Tomás Araújo will only join pre-season training next Monday, three days before the match in Switzerland. Gabriel Índio will not be an option, leaving Marco Silva with young Rui Silva, Lenglet, or, as a last resort, moving Enzo Barrenechea back into the position.