Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League • England
Tottenham reach ‘full agreement’ with Destiny Udogie, as Conte and Paratici align on immediate next move
Tottenham have forged an agreement over personal terms with Udinese defender Destiny Udogie, though Spurs fans may have to wait before seeing him in action, per a trusted source.
The 19-year-old plays as either a left-back or wing-back at Udinese. He enjoyed a break-out campaign last year, bagging five goals and three assists from 35 league appearances.
That attracted the attention of Tottenham who both Sky Italia and Fabrizio Romano reported were sizing up a £21m move.
The Telegraph subsequently claimed negotiations had quickly ramped up and a deal was close to being agreed.
Per the Times, the initial idea was Destiny Udogie would arrive on a permanent deal, though be loaned straight back to Udinese for the 2022-23 campaign.
Now, a fresh update from Romano has taken the story on further after Spurs reportedly agreed personal terms with the player.
Romano described the agreement as ‘full’ and tweeted a five-year deal will be signed. The trusted source added the move is expected to cross the line next week.
However, Spurs fans may not see Udogie up close and personal until next summer.
That’s because Romano reaffirmed the prior claim that Udogie could be loaned back to Italy.
The journalist stated both Antonio Conte and Spurs chief Fabio Paratici wants the youngster as part of their ‘future project’ before hinting the loan route will be taken once signed.
Left-back logjam makes Destiny Udogie loan likely
Conte can already call upon Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Sergio Reguilon and Ben Davies for the left side of his defence.
Reguilon has been told by the club he is free to leave if a suitable offer is lodged. A return to Spain looks the likeliest outcome in that regard.
Davies will compete with Clement Lenglet at left-centre-back, leaving Perisic and Sessegnon for wing-back.
Given Conte already has at least two players for each position, sending Udogie back to Udinese makes sense.
At 19, regular minutes are vital to ensure his development isn’t stunted. Clearly, he’ll have a greater chance of playing regularly at Udinese next year than Tottenham.