Reports from Italy suggest Liverpool could be gearing up for a high-stakes battle with former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte in the pursuit of an exciting Serie A prospect.
The Reds are reportedly targeting Patrick Dorgu, a highly versatile 20-year-old talent currently at Lecce, who’s also caught the attention of Manchester United.
Liverpool have been linked with Dorgu for months, and according to **Solo Lecce**, the club is preparing a €40m (£33.6m) bid to secure his signature.
It’s also claimed that Liverpool have conducted four scouting missions to monitor the youngster’s progress.
However, Conte’s Napoli is also in the mix, having made multiple offers of €30m (£25.2m) plus bonuses to try and close the deal before a bidding war erupts.
Where Dorgu Could Fit at Liverpool
Dorgu’s versatility is one of his standout qualities. He has played as a full-back, winger on both flanks, central midfielder, and even as a number 10 this season.
If Liverpool beat Napoli to his signing, manager Arne Slot might see him as a potential left-back option, especially given Andy Robertson’s struggles in recent months.
Although he may not walk straight into Liverpool’s starting XI, Dorgu could be a valuable utility player, offering depth and dynamism from the bench.
His attacking statistics are impressive, ranking in the top 5% of 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 among the top 11% for touches in the opposition penalty area (2.49 per match), showcasing his offensive potential.
A Response to Liverpool’s Defensive Needs?
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher recently called on the club’s owners, FSG, to prioritize signing a defender during the January transfer window.
If the Dorgu links are accurate, it seems the Anfield hierarchy may have taken those calls seriously.
While this update adds excitement to Liverpool’s potential plans, it’s worth noting that it hasn’t yet been corroborated by top-tier sources close to the club.
For now, fans will watch closely to see if the Reds can outmaneuver Napoli and bring this promising young star to Merseyside.
