(Football news) Italy Under-21’s defender Destiny Udogie has been signed by Tottenham Hotspur from Udinese for £15m plus £3 million in add-ons. The 19 year old has agreed to a five year contract but the left-back will be loaned back to the Italian club for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign, having only joined them last season. Udogie has scored five goals and made four assists in 35 league appearances, joining the club from Hellas Verona in July 2021 on a season long loan with an obligation to buy. Tottenham have had a busy transfer window so far with seven signings (Ivan Perisic, Richarlison, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence).
A statement issued by Tottenham Hotspur read “We are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Destiny Udogie from Udinese. The defender has agreed a deal that will run until 2027 and will return to the Serie A side on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. Having progressed through the ranks at Hellas Verona, Destiny made his professional debut in November, 2020. The following year, he joined Udinese on loan – a deal which turned permanent in July, 2022 – and in his debut season with the Italian side he made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals. An Italy Under-21 international, Destiny made his debut for the Gli Azzurrini in September, 2021, in a European Championship qualifying fixture against Luxembourg. He has four caps to his name to date.”
Udogie spoke about his excitement of playing in the Premier League under Antonio Conte by saying “I’m very happy. It’s a good feeling to go to the Premier League, work with Conte, and sign with Tottenham. I am convinced that with Mr. Conte I will be able to grow further. For now, however, it is also important to return on loan to Udinese, I want to have a good season." Udogie began his career at Hellas Verona, progressing from the youth team and breaking into the first team in November 2020. He described his playing style by saying “I love to attack, I love to attack. I have a very good physique, so I attack with my physique. Also with my feet I like to dribble, skill and some pace. I think these are my best qualities."
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