So, so, so… Manchester United is back in the market for transferring, and this time it’s emerged that Lecce player Patrick Dorgu is the top predator. Reports state an agreement has been found for the initial €35m plus €5m in bonuses, a figure that even makes Manchester United fans raise an eyebrow (and they’ve seen some spending.)
But hold on! Before we can begin picturing Dorgu in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, let’s actually explain what’s happening here. Is the deal done, or will we see one of the never-ending transfer sagas?
The Patrick Dorgu Transfer: From Lecce to the Theatre of Dreams?
And yes, this transfer is already a fact, according to SoloLecce. Dorgu claims the two clubs have put pen to paper on a deal that will see the lively Roma man jet off to Old Trafford wet and seemingly cold. Actually, that’s not entirely the case, as Corriere dello Sport, as well as Corriere del Mezzogiorno, report differently.
The €40m valuation is being met by Manchester United intensifying talks, but a club announcement is yet to be made. Having been a football fan for years, every football fan knows that until Fabrizio Romano gives his “Here We Go,” nothing is official.
What Makes Patrick Dorgu So Special?
Some of you now are probably wondering, Who is Patrick Dorgu anyway, and why is United spending this much money on him? Good question!
The promise of Dorgu lies in his bravery and attacking left back with pace and composure fit for Serie A. Love bombing forward, linking up with attackers, causing chaos down the left flank; he’s a player. If the injuries were fewer and potential decision-making better, think Luke Shaw on a good day.
Manchester United have a problem in left back this season with injuries to Shaw and Malacia, so they have been a team that has had to play musical chairs in defence . Dorgu could bring in the long-term issue the Red Devils have been troubled by.
Is €40m Too Much for Dorgu?
Mowinckels signing for €40m on a 19-year-old fullback is the classic Manchester United thing to do. It’s confetti at a wedding for fans used to the club throwing money around like confetti, but is this really a good deal?
If you look at the modern transfer market, that’s not unhealthy. They don’t come cheap—top young full-backs. Depending on Dorgu’s case, at some point in the future some will laugh at this price tag if he becomes a world-class player.
But if he flops, then this will just be another entry on the ‘Expensive United Signings That Never Brought Anything’ list (alongside Alexis Sánchez, Donny van de Beek, and… that time they thought Falcao was the answer).
What Are Former Players Saying?
Former Lecce captain Fabio Lucioni doesn’t seem to doubt Dorgu’s potential. In fact, he’s so confident in the move that he jokingly said:
“I would have already flown him to California.”
Lucioni is sure that Dorgu is too good for Lecce and should move to a bigger club. That’s a big endorsement considering most ex-players tend to get bitter when their club loses a talent like that.
Author’s Take: Why This Deal Excites Me (and Scares Me a Little)
As a football fan, I can’t wait to see the chance for young talents to perform on bigger stages. If they keep all of these attributes, Dorgu could be a hit, and United need a left back. But I also know that Manchester United’s recruitment strategy over the years has been about asking questions.
This could be a masterstroke if Dorgu gets the right coaching and game time. Well, at least United fans can say at least they outspent Chelsea on a left-back for once, if not.
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