JUST IN- Tottenham primed for sensational defensive signing as sale now ‘very likely’ to happen
Tottenham Hotspur are once again at the forefront of the race to sign a left-back alternative to Destiny Udogie, following an unsuccessful attempt to secure the player during the summer transfer window.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shared insight into Tottenham’s previous pursuit of Lecce’s rising star Patrick Dorgu. The north London club made an effort to bring the 19-year-old to the Premier League, but Lecce’s steep asking price of £29.5 million (€35 million, $39 million) deterred potential suitors. Despite their interest, Spurs were unable to finalize the deal for the talented wing-back before the window closed.
Dorgu has garnered significant attention across Europe over the last 18 months due to his rapid development. The Danish international, who plays for Lecce in Serie A, is regarded as one of the most promising young full-backs in Italian football. His pace, dribbling ability, and defensive awareness have caught the eye of multiple top clubs, including Tottenham and Chelsea.
Recently, Gazzetta dello Sport confirmed that Tottenham remains highly interested in Dorgu, even as competition heats up. TuttoJuve added that Chelsea is also in the mix, with the Blues actively seeking a replacement for Ben Chilwell, who may leave the club. This has only heightened the race for Dorgu’s signature.
Lecce, on their part, are keen to keep hold of their prized asset and have taken steps to do so. The Serie A side recently tied Dorgu down to a new contract that runs until 2029, a move aimed at warding off immediate interest. However, this extension does not necessarily guarantee that the defender will remain at the club long-term.
According to FiorentinaNews, Lecce’s new contract for Dorgu was strategically offered to boost his eventual transfer value. The report indicates that while Dorgu is expected to stay at Lecce until the end of the current season, he is “very likely” to leave in the summer of 2025. By then, the club hopes that a bidding war will break out, allowing them to maximize profits on the player they acquired for a modest €200,000 from Nordsjælland in 2022.
Lecce appears poised to make a substantial financial gain from Dorgu’s departure, as interest from clubs like Tottenham and Chelsea could drive up his price further.
How Patrick Dorgu Would Fit at Tottenham Hotspur
Should Tottenham successfully sign Dorgu next summer, the young Dane would likely step into the first-team squad as a replacement for Ben Davies. The 31-year-old Welsh defender has been a reliable servant for the club, spending a decade in north London, but his contract is set to expire next summer. With the potential arrival of a younger left-back, it is unlikely that Davies will be offered an extension.
While Davies has been versatile throughout his time at Spurs, capable of playing both left-back and centre-back, his role has gradually diminished. Tottenham’s summer recruit, Archie Gray, has emerged as a key utility player in Ange Postecoglou’s system. Gray has already featured at right-back, left-back, centre-back, and central midfield in pre-season and during the early part of the campaign, making him a valuable asset to the team.
At just 19 years old, Dorgu is two years younger than Tottenham’s current first-choice left-back, Destiny Udogie. Udogie, who joined from Udinese, has made a strong impression since arriving in the Premier League and will have two full seasons of English football under his belt by the time Dorgu potentially joins the squad.
Dorgu’s arrival would give Postecoglou another dynamic option at left-back, providing the manager with depth and competition for the position. While Udogie’s spot as a regular starter may not be immediately threatened, Dorgu’s development could eventually push him to compete for the starting role, especially with his potential to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League.
Ultimately, Tottenham’s pursuit of Patrick Dorgu underscores their long-term strategy of securing young, talented players who can fit into Postecoglou’s high-energy, attacking style of play. Should they manage to land Dorgu next summer, Spurs will have one of the most promising defensive prospects in Europe at their disposal, positioning them well for future success.