Everton and Crystal Palace contact for Portuguese defender – Jorge Mendes key

Everton and Crystal Palace are in contact over Lecce centre-back Tiago Gabriel; the Portuguese defender's valuation stands at €25–30m.

Everton and Crystal Palace are competing to sign Lecce centre-back Tiago Gabriel, with both clubs having already sought information about a deal. The 21-year-old Portuguese defender has become a key player for the Italian side since joining in January 2025 for €2m and has made eight appearances this season, also scoring twice.

Gabriel recently signed a new contract extending his deal at Lecce until 2030, a move designed to increase his valuation to between €25m and €30m. Agent Jorge Mendes is actively working to facilitate an exit, having previously attempted to move Gabriel in the summer when Fulham and AC Milan showed interest. Fiorentina are also in the hunt and have already spoken to Mendes about a possible deal.

Lecce are keen to make a significant capital gain from the sale. The expectation is that January will be an active window for Gabriel, with competition intensifying among the interested clubs. Despite not being exceptional on the ball, Gabriel is regarded as a strong pure defender with physical attributes that could suit the Premier League.