Spurs conclude deal with Udinese to being Destiny Udogie to the English Premier League

ENGLISH Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspurs have reached an agreement with Italian Serie A side Udinese over Nigeria-eligible youngster Destiny Udogie that will see him move to London under a season-long loan deal.

Under the terms of a €20m agreement between both clubs, Udogie will spend the 2022/23 season at Spurs on loan. Udogie, 19, born to Nigerian parents in Italy, had already agreed personal terms with Tottenham before Udinese settled for a transfer fee and agreement, sealing the deal.

Fabio Paratici, Spurs’ managing director, ensured the deal was in place as Udogie had become one of Italian football’s hottest properties at just 19. Udogie enjoyed his breakout season last year, is already being looked at for a potential call-up to the Italian national team after his heroics during the 2021/22 campaign.

Born in Verona, the player who cut his teeth at Hellas Verona is capable of playing as a left back or a left wing-back. During the 2021/22 season, he scored five goals and provided three assists in 35 games.

He is one of Italy’s most highly-rated youngsters having been invited to a two-day camping for possibles for the Italian national team, by manager Roberto Mancini. Udogie's contribution last season in Serie A was only behind that of Croatian international Christian Perisic when it came to wing backs in the league, who is coincidentally now at Spurs too.

Udogie has represented Italy at every level from U-16 to U-20 and looks forward to getting a senior invitation as he feels more Italian than Nigerian. He said he hopes to walk in the footsteps of players like Angelo Ogbonna who chose to represent the Azzurri over the Super Eagles.

“I will do everything to make myself appreciated by the Italian coach. It is a goal that I particularly care about," Udogie said.