Serie A star full back speaks out amid Liverpool transfer links

Patrick Dorgu is regarded as one of the jewels of Serie A and scored his first Italian league goal at the weekend when his side, Lecce, defeated Fiorentina in dramatic circumstances. 

The Danish left-back netted in injury time to give the Giallorossi a hard-earned 3-2 win, and has been the name on the lips of the Italian press in the days since. 

The 19-year-old is one of the breakout stars of the Italian league season, and is already being spoken about as the biggest outgoing transfer in Lecce’s history. 

The record currently lies with Morten Hjulmand, Dorgu’s compatriot, who was sold to Sporting CP last summer for an initial €18m, rising to a possible €21m. 

Dorgu was acquired for Lecce’s Primavera side from Nordsjaelland in the summer of 2022 for a fee of only €200k, helping his new side to the Campionato Primavera that season. 

An incoming transfer fee for the Denmark under-21 international will now be worth 100 times that with Lecce expecting a €20m (£17m) windfall when the time comes to say goodbye to a player currently under contract until 2027. 

Liverpool enquiry

A report in the Italian media suggests that Liverpool — who have regularly been named as potential suitors for the rising star in recent months — were the first club to enquire about signing Dorgu as they set about the long-term planning of replacing Andy Robertson at left-back. 

Atletico Madrid are also cited as strong admirers, having scouted Dorgu multiple times, while there is also reported interest from AC Milan and Chelsea. 

The Lecce sporting director, Pantaleo Corvino, spoke to the press in recent days revealing the club turned down offers for Dorgu in the winter transfer window. 

“In January, I took written offers to the president that you couldn’t refuse,” he said. “I should add that I had unbelievable unwritten requests. They were refused.”

Dorgu, who has played 19 times in Serie A to date, fielded questions this week about his future in an interview with Danish outlet Tipsbladet. 

"I don't really think about interest from other clubs,” he said.

“I'm at Lecce, and I need to focus on the season and on myself. It's nice to hear that people are looking at me and talking about me, but I shouldn't dwell too much on it because I play for Lecce.”