Lecce star Patrick Dorgu has expressed his excitement about a potential move to Manchester United, describing it as “an opportunity for me” as his transfer nears completion.
The Denmark international is expected to sign for the Premier League club in a deal worth €30 million (£25.15m) plus an additional €5 million (£4.19m) in performance-based add-ons. His imminent departure was signaled when he was left on the bench for Lecce’s Serie A match against Parma on Friday night. With United aiming to finalize the deal before the January transfer deadline on Monday at 11 PM, Dorgu’s arrival at Old Trafford now appears only a matter of time.
While Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani had been reluctant to sell, Dorgu has been eager for an agreement to be reached. The 19-year-old defender was spotted at an airport ahead of his flight to the UK, where he briefly addressed reporters, appearing confident that the move would soon be completed.
First Major Signing of the Amorim Era
Dorgu’s signing will mark the first major addition under new United manager Rúben Amorim, who has had to navigate a limited transfer budget following a heavy summer of spending. The need for reinforcements, however, has been clear—especially in the left wing-back role, which Dorgu is expected to fill.
Diogo Dalot has been covering the position due to long-term injuries to Luke Shaw, while Tyrell Malacia has struggled to impress Amorim since his arrival. Given United’s shift to a 3-4-3 formation, the wing-back role has become increasingly important, with few natural options currently available in the squad.
Amorim acknowledged the club’s need for signings but stressed the importance of finding the right players. “The club is doing everything to improve the team. If we can get the right players, we will move for them,” he said earlier this week.
United Weighing Their Options
United had initially explored signing PSG’s Nuno Mendes, who previously thrived as a wing-back under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, but his price tag proved prohibitive. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez was also on the club’s radar, yet the Cherries were unwilling to negotiate a cut-price deal.
With Dorgu’s arrival now imminent, United will hope they have secured a long-term solution at left wing-back as Amorim continues reshaping the squad.
