Pantaleo Corvino, Lecce’s technical director, addressed the media today alongside sporting director Trinchera to outline the club’s approach to the upcoming January transfer window. Corvino emphasized the unique nature of the winter market, describing it as a “repair market” with its own timelines and easily understood rules.
“The winter market, as you know, is different from the summer one,” Corvino explained. “January’s market is characterized by its own rules, which are easily intuitable: it’s a repair market. A famous name playing at another club repairs a situation.”
Corvino posed a rhetorical question to illustrate Lecce’s stance: “I ask everyone, which club can sell a starting player who is performing well in January?” He acknowledged that while some might suggest it’s possible with enough money, Lecce’s position remains firm.
Using Patrick Dorgu as an example, Corvino stated, “Everyone writes that Napoli wants Dorgu, but for us, he’s an important player who is starting, so we won’t part with him.” This declaration effectively rules out a January move for the promising player, despite reported interest from the Serie A giants.
The technical director outlined Lecce’s strategic approach to the transfer window, emphasizing the need for creativity and the ability to identify struggling players elsewhere who could be convinced to join while respecting the club’s conditions. He cautioned that outsiders might be skeptical of signing players with limited playing time but assured that Lecce would strive to maximize their efforts without resorting to improvisation.
Corvino detailed the club’s transfer priorities, dividing six positions into two tiers. The first tier, where Lecce will look to buy, includes a central defender, defensive winger, and attacking winger. In these positions, current players will remain, with new additions expected. For other roles, the club may consider reducing numbers if necessary.
Regarding specific positions, Corvino mentioned potential movement in the goalkeeping department, where Lecce has five players, including Borbei, Samooja, and the developing Penev. In midfield, after showing patience with Kaba and faith in Helgason, the club now has numerous options and may consider loaning out young players like McJannet if they request playing time elsewhere.
For the striker position, Corvino was adamant: “We have Krstovic, Rebic, and Burnete. There’s nothing to do here, even if they ask to be transferred. We have the right number.”
