Manchester United have secured the signing of 20-year-old Danish international Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in a record-breaking transfer. Here’s a closer look at the young talent, his career so far, and how he could fit into United’s squad under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United Finalize Deal for Patrick Dorgu
Reports emerging on Tuesday evening confirmed that Manchester United have reached an agreement with Lecce for the signing of Patrick Dorgu. The deal, which is set to cost around €35 million including add-ons, marks a significant investment in the promising full-back.
According to sources from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dorgu and his family were already making preparations for the move to Manchester, signaling how quickly the transfer has come together. The talented youngster had also attracted interest from Serie A giants Napoli and Juventus, but United have won the race for his signature.
This transfer makes Dorgu the most expensive departure in Lecce’s history, shattering the previous record set when Morten Hjulmand moved to Sporting CP for €19.5 million in 2023.
Dorgu’s Journey: From Denmark to Serie A Success
Born in Copenhagen to Nigerian heritage, Dorgu has represented Denmark at various youth levels, progressing all the way up to the senior squad. His footballing journey began at Nordsjælland before he made the switch to Lecce in 2022, a move that set the stage for his rapid rise.
Since breaking into Lecce’s senior team, Dorgu has amassed 53 Serie A appearances, 21 of which have come this season. His contributions include three league goals and an assist during the 2024-25 campaign. His performances earned him a senior Denmark call-up in September, where he made an instant impact in a UEFA Nations League clash against Switzerland, scoring a late goal after coming off the bench.
Dorgu continued to be a part of Denmark’s Nations League squad in October and November, further cementing his place as one of the country’s brightest young talents.
Tactical Fit: Dorgu’s Versatility and Strengths
Originally deployed as a left-back at Lecce, Dorgu has showcased his adaptability over the course of the 2024-25 season, also featuring on the right wing. His ability to operate across multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for Ruben Amorim, who prefers dynamic players capable of fitting into various roles.
At United, Dorgu is expected to provide much-needed depth on the left flank, where injuries have plagued both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system has often lacked a natural left-sided wing-back, with players like Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui forced to fill in out of position. Dorgu’s arrival presents a natural solution to this issue.
Additionally, given his experience as a winger in a 4-3-3 setup, he could be utilized in a more advanced role when needed. His left-footed playing style mirrors that of Amad Diallo, potentially offering United another attacking option in wide areas.
What Dorgu Brings to United
Dorgu’s combination of technical ability, versatility, and attacking intent makes him a perfect fit for Amorim’s tactical setup. His seamless transition between defensive and offensive roles allows United to be more fluid in their approach. As he embarks on this new journey at Old Trafford, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the Premier League and what impact he can make under Amorim’s guidance.
