West Ham working hard to sign defender branded ‘the new Hakimi’ | OneFootball

West Ham United are reportedly trying to sign Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu, who has caught the eye in Serie A with his performances.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Hammers are working hard to secure his signature but face competition from other suitors.

Napoli and RB Leipzig are also in the mix, looking to pip rivals to the signing of the young defender, who scooped the Danish Talent of the Year Award for 2024.

Dorgu has been compared to Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi, who also cut his teeth with Inter Milan in Serie A.

Interestingly, despite being left-footed, the Lecce man can also cover the right-back position, showcasing his versatility.

He has netted three goals and created one big chance for Lecce this season in 13 league appearances, winning over half of his duels and helping the team keep two clean sheets.

Dorgu is the perfect Emerson Palmieri replacement

West Ham full-back Emerson Palmieri has been a loyal servant, but he is entering the twilight of his career, and the club should have a successor lined up.

Back-up left-back Aaron Cresswell is 34, highlighting the need for a younger defender.

Dorgu would be the perfect successor. The 20-year-old can compete with Emerson for the starting berth and get acclimatised to his new surroundings before eventually usurping the left-back slot.

His performances caught the attention of Chelsea last summer. If he can keep up those excellent showings in the Premier League, the Hammers may earn significant profit from selling him in the future.

West Ham should be all over the Dorgu deal. He can fill the left-back position for years and earn the club a massive transfer fee if his development goes according to plan.