Juventus and AC Milan are locked in a fierce competition to secure the signature of 19-year-old Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu. The Danish left-back has been turning heads in Serie A since his promotion to Lecce's senior squad for the 2023-24 season, attracting interest from several European giants.
Dorgu joined Lecce's youth team in July 2022 and quickly made an impression, earning a spot in the first team. He made his Serie A debut against Lazio on 20 August 2023, and scored his first goal against Fiorentina on 2 February 2024. The young Dane has featured in 27 league matches for Lecce this season, contributing 2 goals.
Known for his physicality, pace, dribbling ability, and crossing, Dorgu is considered a modern full-back with immense potential. He has represented Denmark at various youth levels, showcasing his talent on the international stage.
Juventus are reportedly planning to reshuffle their defensive department, with Andrea Cambiaso being the only full-back they intend to retain.
The Bianconeri are open to offers for Filip Kostic and Samuel Iling-Junior, potentially making room for a new addition like Dorgu.
However, Lecce sporting director Pantaleo Corvino insists that Dorgu is not for sale, having recently extended the youngster's contract until 2027. The defender's agent has confirmed interest from several European giants, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid, which could drive up his price tag significantly from his current estimated market value of €7 million.
Lecce are determined to keep hold of their prized asset, viewing Dorgu as a crucial component of their impressive Serie A campaign. The club believes he can continue to develop at the Stadio Via del Mare, but they are also known for their ability to unearth hidden gems and sell them for substantial profits, as demonstrated by Morten Hjulmand's €18 million move to Sporting CP last summer.
As Juventus and AC Milan vie for Dorgu's signature, the young Dane's future remains uncertain. If he maintains his current trajectory, it may only be a matter of time before a top club makes an offer too good for Lecce to refuse.
With both Juventus and AC Milan keen on bolstering their defensive ranks, the battle for Patrick Dorgu's signature is set to intensify in the coming months. The 19-year-old's performances have caught the eye of several top clubs across Europe, and his potential transfer could be one of the most talked-about moves of the summer.
Will he remain at Lecce and continue his development, or will one of the Italian giants manage to lure him away? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Patrick Dorgu is a name that will be on everyone's lips in the world of football.