Manchester United and Napoli are in a dead-heat race to sign Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu.
With Luke Shaw injured and Tyrell Malacia expected to go out on loan before the current transfer window closes, Man United manager Ruben Amorim is in dire need of reinforcements at left-back.
As such, Patrick Dorgu emerged as a suitable candidate, with United reportedly looking to sign him for a price of around €25m to €30m.
While Lecce were reportedly looking to fetch more money for the rising star, it now appears as if United have made a breakthrough in their transfer pursuit.
“More on Patrick Dorgu and Man United deal. Club to club talks have already started with Man United officials to have direct meeting with Lecce this week,” Fabrizio Romano posted on X.
“Rúben Amorim has also approved Dorgu; he’s a strong candidate on the list, as exclusively revealed two weeks ago.”
🚨🇩🇰 More on Patrick Dorgu and Man United deal.
Club to club talks have already started with Man United officials to have direct meeting with Lecce this week.
Rúben Amorim has also approved Dorgu; he’s a strong candidate on the list, as exclusively revealed two weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/3H1LP8girw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2025
While this is positive news for United as they seek to bolster their squad, the deal is not concluded yet, with Napoli appearing poised to hijack the transfer.
Earlier, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claimed that Napoli are very close to signing Dorgu, with Lecce reportedly willing to strike a deal.
Still, Di Marzio noted that the race could swing in United’s favour if they decide to offer the €40m price that Lecce was seeking.
United’s interest in Dorgu, along with that of Napoli, may seem puzzling to some United fans due to Lecce’s poor performance this season. The club is currently in 17th place in Serie A, hovering above the relegation zone.
He has also only won 53% of his total duels in 20 Serie A matches, while his 78% passing accuracy also leaves a lot to be desired.
On the other hand, Dorgu has averaged 2 tackles per game, meaning that he has kept busy in Lecce’s defence. Interestingly, he has scored three goals and provided an assist in the league, meaning he actually has more attacking returns than both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund do in the Premier League. (Stats via Sofascore)
Although he may not be an elite left-back at present, Dorgu may still be a valuable asset to United, given the lack of left-back options at the club. He also seems to have an affinity for attacking, an area where United need to desperately improve.
Featured image Gabriele Maltinti via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
