Reports from Italy suggest Liverpool could be preparing for a fierce competition with former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte in the race for an exciting Serie A prospect. The Reds are reportedly targeting Patrick Dorgu, a highly versatile 20-year-old currently playing for Lecce, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United.
Liverpool has been monitoring Dorgu for several months, and according to Solo Lecce, the club is ready to make a €40m (£33.6m) offer to secure his services. The club has reportedly conducted four scouting missions to track the young talent’s progress.
However, Conte’s Napoli is also involved, having made multiple bids of €30m (£25.2m) plus bonuses in an attempt to close the deal before a bidding war ensues.
Where Dorgu Could Fit at Liverpool
One of Dorgu’s standout qualities is his versatility. This season, he has played as a full-back, winger on both sides, central midfielder, and even as a number 10. If Liverpool succeeds in signing him, manager Arne Slot might see him as a potential left-back option, particularly given Andy Robertson’s recent struggles.
Though Dorgu may not immediately secure a starting role, he could be a valuable utility player, offering depth and dynamism from the bench.
His attacking statistics are impressive, ranking in the top 5% of his positional peers in Europe’s top leagues for shots (1.71 per 90 minutes) and non-penalty goals (0.18 per 90). He’s also in the top 11% for touches in the opposition penalty area (2.49 per match), highlighting his offensive potential.
A Response to Liverpool’s Defensive Needs?
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher recently urged the club’s owners, FSG, to prioritize signing a defender during the January transfer window. If the links to Dorgu are accurate, it seems the Anfield hierarchy may have taken that advice on board.
While this update adds excitement to Liverpool’s potential plans, it’s important to note that it hasn’t yet been confirmed by top-tier sources close to the club. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Reds can outbid Napoli and bring this promising young talent to Merseyside.
