Earlier, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano announced that Manchester United winger Antony has joined Real Betis on loan until the end of the season. According to Spanish media outlet Relevo, Amorim requested a guarantee from the Manchester United owners that the team must receive reinforcements after Antony's departure. The Manchester United hierarchy promised Amorim this, hence he gave the green light for the transfer.
The media's message is clear: Antony's departure means Manchester United will also accelerate their pace in terms of recruitment. Indeed, related news has emerged.
According to The Athletic, Manchester United are in talks with Lecce over the signing of 20-year-old left-back Dogu. Although no agreement has been reached yet, discussions about the transfer have made progress. Manchester United head coach Amorim is eager to add new strength to the team during the January transfer window, especially given the team's recent decline in form. Manchester United currently lead the relegation zone by only 10 points in the Premier League table, making squad reinforcement an urgent matter.
Dogu is currently 20 years old and joined Lecce from Danish side Nordsjaelland U19 in the summer of 2022 for a transfer fee of just 200,000 euros. In his first season, Dogu played for the Lecce U20 team before moving up to the first team the following season, making 33 appearances with 17 starts. This season, he has become an absolute starter, playing 22 times for the team so far, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist. He averages 2 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, and 1.75 clearances per game. His market value has also risen significantly, now reaching 20 million euros.
As a left-back with attacking capabilities on the flank, Dogu has impressed in multiple positions on the left side, particularly excelling as a left wing-back, playing a key role in Amorim's favored 3-4-2-1 formation.
Manchester United are currently experiencing difficulties at the left-back position. While Dalot is often deployed on the left, his primary position is right-back, and first-choice left-back Luke Shaw has not played any games due to injury. Additionally, Manchester United are considering loaning out left-back Malacia, meaning the team urgently needs to supplement with a suitable left-back. Dogu's arrival could provide more options for Manchester United's lineup and enhance the team's defensive depth.
Currently, both Romano and The Athletic's David Ornstein have reported on this transfer, which sufficiently indicates that Manchester United's interest is genuine. Romano states that Manchester United are in formal negotiations with Lecce over Dogu's transfer, with Lecce asking for 40 million euros, while Manchester United have not yet made an offer. What works in Manchester United's favor is that Dogu is 100% keen on transferring.