Transfers

‘Done Deal’ – Man Utd ‘Reach Agreement’ For January Signing As £29m Offer ‘Accepted’

Manchester United are reported to be on the verge of completing the blockbuster signing of highly-rated Danish defender Patrick Dorgu from Serie A side Lecce.

Local reports from SoloLecce claim that the Red Devils have had an offer of £29m plus a further £4m in performance related-add-ons accepted for the 20-year-old left-back in a deal which is being reported as ‘done’ with an agreement now in place. For the transfer to be completed, the player will need to undergo a medical after it was reported that personal terms have already been agreed.

Dorgu, who has scored three times and registered one assist in 21 matches, is expected to become the second signing of the Ruben Amorim era after the signing of 17-year-old Paraguayan defender Diego Leon from Primera División title hopefuls Cerro Porteno.

However, unlike Leon, who does not link up with his new teammates until the summer, Dorgu is expected to ‘immediately’ complete a move to Old Trafford and compete for a starting position in Amorim’s favoured 3-4-2-1 formation.

United boss Ruben Amorim has quickly implemented a new style of football with a heavy emphasis on attacking and energetic wing-backs that are able to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

At Sporting, for example, his team often used Geovany Quenda and Maximilliano Araujo to great effect, as well as academy graduate Nuno Mendes before his move to Paris Saint-Germain. The Red Devils currently have Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazaroui as natural right-backs in the team, but are lacking quality in the left-back area with long-term absentees Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both struggling for fitness.

Amorim has made the move for Patrick Dorgu to provide balance to his team and to offer his side a further threat from wide areas to provide support to Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who have both struggled for goals and opportunities in the box this season.

Dorgu has scored three times in 21 matches this season – the joint second most of any full-back in Serie A while his 53 touches inside the box are the highest of any defender in the whole division despite playing for a team that is fighting to survive in the division.

Transfers

Victor Boniface to remain at Bayer Leverkusen as Al Nassr deal falls through – Club director

Bayer Leverkusen Managing Director Simon Rolfes has confirmed that Nigerian forward Victor Boniface will not be moving to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

The deal, which had been in advanced stages with both clubs agreeing on a fee, fell apart after Al Nassr decided to sign Aston Villa’s striker Jhon Duran instead. Boniface had reportedly agreed on personal terms with Al Nassr but will now continue with the Bundesliga side.

“There have been talks, but we are happy that he will be training with us today. I assume that he will stay,” Rolfes stated. “He feels comfortable here, his attitude towards the club is unchanged.”

Boniface’s continued presence at Leverkusen will be a boost to Xabi Alonso’s side as they pursue success domestically and in European competitions.

Transfers

Everton eyes late move for Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi

As the January transfer window approaches its deadline, Everton has reportedly set their sights on Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

The Nigerian forward, 27, has struggled for consistent game time this season, falling behind New Zealand international Chris Wood in the pecking order.

Despite expressing a desire to stay at Forest, ongoing speculation about his future continues, with West Ham United previously linked to the former Union Berlin star.

Everton is now reportedly considering a late swoop for Awoniyi as they aim to bolster their attacking options. The Toffees hope to secure his signature before the window closes.

Awoniyi has netted just one goal in 20 league appearances this season, a decline from his strong performances in previous campaigns. His potential move could offer a fresh start and an opportunity to rediscover his goal-scoring form.

Transfers

Victor Boniface’s Al Nassr move collapses as Club opts for Jhon Durán

Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface will remain with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen after his proposed transfer to Al Nassr fell through.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on Wednesday night via his X account, stating that Al Nassr ultimately chose not to finalize the deal.

“Victor Boniface and Al Nassr, deal OFF,” Romano wrote. “Nigerian striker won’t join the club, deal was advanced… but never done as Al Nassr never gave final green light.”

Instead, Al Nassr has shifted its focus to Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán.

“Jhon Durán to Al Nassr, here we go!” Romano added. “Aston Villa to receive €77m fixed fee plus add-ons. Medical booked tomorrow, and then he will travel to Saudi right after.”

Boniface’s transfer had seemed imminent, with both clubs reportedly agreeing on a €60million fee before Al Nassr’s decision to pivot to Durán.