Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 8 May 2026 7:00, UK

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Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on Lecce’s young defender Tiago Gabriel ahead of a potential summer move.

The Magpies are bracing for the exit of Fabian Schar this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of June.

Newcastle could still agree an extension with the 34-year-old, but he has been out of action since the start of January with an ankle injury and looks some way from a return.

Gabriel, 21, has made 36 appearances across all competitions for Lecce, who currently hold a four-point gap to the relegation zone in Serie A.

Newcastle transfer chiefs are among those monitoring developments in the defender’s situation, with a potential move to be explored this summer.

Newcastle United track Tiago Gabriel

In December, Football Insider exclusively revealed that West Ham were in the running to sign Gabriel, along with Juventus.

The former Sporting CP academy player has enjoyed an impressive season, and will have just one year remaining on his contract this summer.

He joined Lecce for a fee just over £1million from Portuguese side Estrela Amadora in January of 2025, and will be expected to attract a far bigger figure if he leaves this summer.

Before that, Gabriel had been with Setubal’s academy, which he had joined from Sporting after he was released in 2020.

The 21-year-old’s progress since has seen him become a regular for Portugal’s Under-21s, with senior international appearances not too far away.

A move to the Premier League could be the perfect way to raise his profile even more, but Gabriel will have to consider his options carefully.

According to O Jogo, Newcastle are monitoring the defender’s situation carefully amid mounting interest.

Fabian Schar future still unclear

While Schar is now just weeks away from the end of his Newcastle contract, his situation remains unclear.

Kieran Trippier’s contract is also set to expire this summer, but the Magpies have confirmed publicly that the former England international will be leaving.

No such announcement has been made in Schar’s case, suggesting that there still may be a possibility that he signs an extension.

“Certainly no decision has been made on Fabian in terms of his future,” Howe confirmed last week when he was asked about the situation.

“If he’s allowed to leave he’ll be a big miss for us. That’s not underestimated by us at all. I think he’s one of the most unique ball distributors in the Premier League.

“I don’t think there’s many defenders like him. He’s very creative in key areas and we’ve certainly missed that ability he gives us. He’s versatile as well, he’s comfortable in a back three or a back four.

“He’s a calming influence, very experienced. He’d be a big miss. I’m a massive fan of Fabian, I always have been. I’m very appreciative of what he’s brought to the team.

“So we hope he can get back to full fitness before the end of the season. In terms of a new contract, let’s wait and see.”