Antonio Conte has told Thursday’s press conference that new Tottenham signing Destiny Udogie is a player with huge potential – but that he needs to continue progressing by going out on loan, as he returns back to Udinese.
Tottenham completed their seventh signing of the summer in the form of Udogie. The 19-year-old has joined Tottenham for an initial £15million fee, but has returned to Udinese on loan for the 2022-23 campaign.
The Italy Under-21 international sparkled at Udinese during his first season with the Serie A club. Joining them from Hellas Verona last summer, Udogie has been in stunning form – having a hand in seven goals during 35 games.
It has convinced Tottenham to move, but given he is just 19, they are also aware of his need to keep playing. A return to Udinese for 22-23 has been agreed, and Udogie will look to continue his quick development in Italian football.
He will then return to Spurs next summer, where he is expected to rival both Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic for the left wing-back role. Speaking about Udogie for the first time, Conte explained the need for Udogie to go back on loan.
“You said it well, he’s a player for the future. A good prospect for Tottenham. This player needs to develop like Spence and a good investment for the club. Now he continues to play with Udinese. He has the possibility to play regularly.
“When you are young you need to play to improve your experience. For sure we are talking about a good prospect. But we are talking about a player for the future not for the present. He has to develop and to grow,” Conte said.
Conte: New Tottenham signing Udogie needs to continue progressing
It is a brilliant move for all involved. Udinese are probably the biggest winners. They make an immediate, and sizable profit on a player they signed in 2021. They also get Udogie back for another season, before having to replace him.
Meanwhile, Udogie gets a big move to one of the Premier League’s largest sides. He will now have the pressure of continuing his good form in an Udinese shirt. But with the knowledge that Tottenham and the club’s fans are watching.
Finally, Spurs get themselves a good deal, too. They are signing a player that could easily be worth a whole lot more in a few seasons. He has the potential to reach the likes of Perisic. So, for £15million, it could be a future bargain.
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