Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani has opened up on the events that occurred during transfer negotiations with Manchester United for Patrick Dorgu.
United recently confirmed the signing of Dorgu after striking a deal worth €30m plus an additional €5m in add-ons with Lecce.
Dorgu was presented to the United fans before Sunday’s 2-0 loss at the hands of Crystal Palace.
Different journeys, same destination ❤️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/wPG2iyjjcm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 2, 2025
During the just-closed winter transfer window, Dorgu emerged as Ruben Amorim’s top target for the left-wing-back target and the club managed to secure his signature.
Previously, Lecce were insistent that Dorgu would not be sold in January under any circumstances. The Serie A minnows were only open to a summer sale, with other clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus and Napoli also interested in him. However, United moved with speed to secure their man, perhaps in an effort not to get dragged into a bidding war.
Stichi Damiani has now explained how Dorgu’s switch to Old Trafford materialised. According to the Lecce president, the Red Devils wouldn’t stop pushing for the 20-year-old despite their stance that he would not be allowed to leave.
Keen on breaking the deadlock, United issued an ultimatum, telling Lecce and the player that it was now or never. This successfully turned Dorgu’s head.
Stichi Damiani also revealed that United were paying Dorgu’s fee in instalments.
He said [as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb], “Let’s start with the Dorgu operation which has the characteristics of the extraordinary. It is our record transfer and it happens in our moment of great economic health.”
“We said several times that Dorgu would not leave in January, and now I will explain why the opposite happened. Then Manchester United arrived, who made themselves heard by us and with the boy’s entourage, receiving an official response from us that I leave here, in which we said that we had no intention of letting Dorgu leave in January.”
“And not talking about figures, not asking for increases. This, instead of stopping United, had the opposite effect.”
He added, “Manchester United insisted. We asked several times to postpone everything until the summer, also promising the young man that he would not miss the opportunity. For us too it was a historic step, we just wanted to do it in July.”
“The English club communicated to us their desire, the club and its coach, to be immediate. There was an ultimatum, now or never, also giving this message to the player himself.”
“You cannot judge Dorgu, you are 20 years old and Manchester United comes to you with an offer like that. The combination of these factors led us to think that we would have gone from being consistent to being stupidly obstinate.”
“Dorgu’s fee will be paid in five years because even big clubs like Manchester United ask for instalments.”
Dorgu will be hoping to make his United debut on Sunday when the Red Devils host Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
