Patrick Dorgu, the Danish winger from Lecce, is on the verge of becoming a Manchester United player in a deal that will shatter Lecce’s transfer record. As his parents pack boxes for the move, Dorgu anxiously awaits the final confirmation on his phone, ready to embark on his new journey with the Red Devils.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that he match lost against Inter on Sunday night was likely Dorgu’s last in a Lecce shirt. While not the ideal way to end his Italian chapter, Patrick will bid farewell to Salento in unprecedented fashion, bringing nearly €40 million into the coffers of the club that launched his career.
After nearly three weeks of negotiations, Lecce and United are in the final stages of completing Dorgu’s transfer to Old Trafford. Manager Ruben Amorim was adamant about securing the player, and despite initial attempts to negotiate a lower fee, United ultimately decided to meet Lecce’s valuation.
The transfer is expected to be finalized this evening or early tomorrow morning, with the total package worth approximately €38 million. Pantaleo Corvino, who returned to Lecce after last week’s meeting in Milan, has been in constant contact with United officials. Video calls are progressing rapidly, with only minor details related to bonuses left to iron out. The fixed portion of the fee is expected to be between €32 and €33 million.
Lecce’s original plan was to sell Dorgu in this transfer window and then loan him back until the end of the season. However, upon realizing the desire of various suitors – notably Napoli and United – to secure the 2004-born player’s services immediately, Lecce opted for a change in strategy: agreeing to an immediate transfer but at an even higher price.
This demand did not deter Manchester United, who had already reached an agreement with the player – a five-year contract worth over €1 million per year. The Red Devils are now on the verge of finalizing the deal with Lecce’s president, Saverio Sticchi Damiani.
Dorgu’s family has been in Salento for some time to support Patrick and assist him with this thrilling transfer, which is momentous for both the player and Lecce. Just 18 months after the record sale of Hjulmand to Sporting for €18 million, the Salento club is set to more than double that amount by selling another Danish talent nurtured at the Via del Mare.
