Just last year, Harry Kane was desperately trying to force through a move to Manchester City, coming to the rather heartbreaking conclusion that he have no choice but to turn his back on his beloved Tottenham Hotspur in search of silverware.
Just 12 months later, Spurs are fighting off competition from the Premier League champions to sign one of the most exciting up-and-coming talents in Serie A. If anything sums up the change in mood around the London giants over the course of the last year, it is Destiny Udogie’s decision to sign on the dotted line despite rival interest from the Etihad and elsewhere.
The Udinese whizzkid, according to Calciomercato and Gianluca di Marzio, has been subject of inquiries from a Man City side famed across the game for turning potential into greatness. Udogie, however, has given Tottenham the green light instead.
The Italy U21 international will join for an initial £21 million, a fee agreed upon by both parties.
Tottenham beat Man City to Destiny Udogie
Now, it is easy to see what Udinese are getting out of this deal. In addition to a fee that will make Udinese one of the most expensive departures in their history, the former Hellas Verona man is also expected to return to the Stadio Fruili on loan for the 2022/23 campaign. A major plus, as far as the Zebrette are concerned.
But it’s not just Udinese who stand to benefit.
Udogie obviously feels that Tottenham is the right place to continue his development. And the importance of that should not be underestimated. Especially that you consider, between Mauricio Pochettino’s heavy-hearted departure and Conte’s rock star arrival, that Spurs looked like a place where potential went to die.
A big win for Antonio Conte
Conte, arguably the finest league manager in the game, gives Spurs real pulling power in the market. The likes of which they could only have dreamed of if Nuno Espirito Santo was still in the hotseat. It was he who helped convince Richarlison, Yves Bissouma and Djed Spence – three of the most coveted footballers in England – to sign on the dotted line.
Ivan Perisic, meanwhile, tasted Serie A glory under the former Inter Milan boss in 2021.
And Conte’s tactics, as well as his silver-coated CV, may have gone some way to winning over Udogie. That 3-4-2-1 formation remains the foundations of Conte’s continued success. And Udogie, an attack-minded left-wing back who produced five goals and three assists for Udinese last season, should feel very much like a round peg in a round hole when he finally arrives at Tottenham in 2023.
Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, has employed a back three in just nine of City’s last 189 games since the start of 2019/20 (Football Critic).
“I could go to the Premier League,” the teenager said this summer. “I’d be glad to have an experience in England.”
Now, his dream is about to become a reality.
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