An invisible thread connects Theo Hernandez and Patrick Dorgu, with Milan always in the middle. It all started just under a year ago when the Danish full-back caught the attention of the Rossoneri, thanks to Geoffrey Moncada's recommendation. Patrick had just won the Primavera championship with the Lecce side, standing out in particular.Coach D’Aversa couldn't miss the qualities of this left-footed player with a physique that highlights his athletic exuberance. He's just over eighteen, but according to Milan's scouts, he has the potential to become Theo Hernandez's successor.
So, the attempt began, as D’Aversa had no doubts about making him a starter in Serie A. And with excellent results right away. The Rossoneri's move was timely but with a limited budget: just under 10 million euros. The amount didn't sway the Giallorossi leaders, who politely rejected Milan's offer.
The events of the following months could only prove the Lecce director Pantaleo Corvino right. Not only did Dorgu score two goals, but he also became a key player in the Danish youth national teams. Premier League teams started showing interest, as did Juventus and Napoli in Italy. But nothing happened: Dorgu remained a key player in Lecce.
Fast forward to the Milan-Lecce match last season, in early April. That day, Luca Gotti made one of his surprise moves: he changed Patrick's position, moving him to the right, to mark the famous Hernandez. Things didn't go well for Lecce; Pulisic and his teammates defeated the Lecce team, but they still managed to avoid relegation.
Now, Dorgu is already a protagonist of the new season. Not only did he mark his debut in the Danish senior national team with a decisive goal in the Nations League, but he also recently scored a nice goal against Parma.
For Gotti, he's now a high winger, always on the right, although Guilbert's suspension leaves a gap in the full-back position. Everything suggests that the duel with the Frenchman will be renewed in any case, even if he moves back to a marking role in a four-man defense. The difference is that this time, Dorgu is no longer an unknown.
Milan's offer is now a distant memory, and his value has at least tripled. Tottenham and Chelsea were the latest to make advances at the end of August. They were also rejected. Will Milan try again?
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport on their website.
Dorgu's numbers this season with Lecce:
The 19-year-old talent of Lecce has made 6 appearances (4 in Serie A and 2 in the Coppa Italia). He has scored 1 goal in the league. So far this season, he has played 473 minutes in total. His contract with Lecce runs until 2027. He can play as a left-back and even as a left-winger.
According to Transfermarkt, he is valued at 12 million euros.
