In their search for a potential new central defender, FC Bayern have set their sights on a man from Serie A. But FC Barcelona also appear to be interested
With Dayot Upamecano and Minjae Kim, FC Bayern have two central defenders in their squad whose future is uncertain. While Upamecano’s contract extension is far from fixed, Kim could leave the club due to insufficient playing time. It is therefore clear that Munich are already looking for alternatives should they lose one or even both defenders
Munich could now have found what they are looking for in Serie A. According to the French transfer portal Footmercato , FCB have set their sights on Lecce defender Tiago Gabriel. The 21-year-old Portuguese is also being watched by FC Barcelona and Saudi club Neom
Should Bayern lose Kim, who has been linked with Milan among others, in the winter, an immediate transfer of Gabriel would be difficult, as Lecce would like to keep the defender at least until the end of the season
Will Gabriel be a bargain?
However, as the Bayern bosses are not planning to make any changes to their squad in the winter, it should not be a problem to wait until the summer for Gabriel if necessary. If he is still available then, the four-time Portugal U21 international could even become a bargain
Transfermarkt estimates his market value at „only“ 15 million euros, which would be an absolutely reasonable price given his strong defensive statistics. According to FBREF , the 1.96m tall Gabriel is among the top 2% in Europe’s top 5 leagues in terms of headers won. He is also in the top 15% in terms of balls cleared
What’s more, his contract with Lecce is only valid until 2027, so if the club still wants to earn money with him, they would have to sell the young Portuguese next summer.
