Destiny Udogie will be on his way to Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window with Udinese team-mate Kingsley Ehizibue insisting that the Premier League outfit are signing ‘an excellent player’.
The irony, of course, is that Udogie looks a footballer tailor-made for Antonio Conte.
The Italian’s 3-4-2-1 formation seemed ideal for an all-action wing-back who, since the start of last season, has scored or assisted 14 goals from his buccaneering, left-sided role.
Udogie agreed a £17 million move to Tottenham last summer before returning to Udinese on loan. By the time he finally touches down in North London, however, the Italy U21 international will have a new manager to impress. One who may not be quite so wedded to the wing-back system Conte made his calling card during a decade in top-level management.
At the age of just 20, and brimming with potential, Udogie should still be a useful asset for whoever replaces Conte in the English capital. Especially with Spurs’ current first-choice left-sider – Ivan Perisic – nearly 15 years his senior.
Destiny Udogie is heading to Tottenham Hotspur
“My team-mate Udogie; quality. He’s an excellent player,” Ehizibue tells the Serie A website.
“In my first week here, I saw him in training as he sprinted back and forth. I tried to follow him. But, after two or three sprints, I was exhausted while he continued serene. It’s impressive.”
Udogie has been used almost solely in a left-sided wing-back role at Udinese. He is, at least, young enough and smart enough to be moulded into a classic full-back or perhaps even a left-sided attacker if required.
Udogie’s agent, meanwhile, is ruling out the prospect of another loan departure this summer.
“He is a Tottenham player,” Stefano Antonelli explains to Tuttomercatoweb.
“The Tottenham project does not change. Udogie was bought with everyone’s approval. Many other professionals have called him important for the club.”
“Yes, I’m ruling (another loan) out now. The boy is doing great.”
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