Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on their seventh signing of the summer transfer window…
What’s the word?
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the north London outfit have begun discussions with Udinese over a potential deal for wing-back Destiny Udogie in a move that would see him remain at the Serie A side on loan for the upcoming campaign.
“Tottenham have opened talks to sign Udinese left back Destiny Udogie on permanent deal with potential loan back for this season. Negotiations at early stages now,” he tweeted.
“There’s still no full agreement as there are many clubs interested in Udogie.”
Should Spurs swoop for Udogie?
YES!
NO!
One for the future
This potential signing is certainly one for the long-term future as the 19-year-old gem wouldn’t be expected to make an instant impact at the Lilywhites – instead, he can continue to grow in the environment that has attracted Spurs to his signature.
Udogie is a hugely exciting young talent and could emerge as the true heir to Ivan Perisic’s throne, so 22-year-old backup Ryan Sessegnon may want to watch out.
As per Transfermarkt, the attack-minded teenager was a real threat from the left wing-back position last season, where he delivered five goals and three assists from 35 league appearances.
Elsewhere, via FBref, the Italy U21 international ranks inside the top 3% for goals (0.18 per 90) and the top 6% for shots on target (0.47 per 90) when compared to his positional peers across Europe.
He’s also equally adept defensively, ranking within the top 9% for tackles won (1.91 per 90) and the top 15% for pressures (16.64 per 90), also per FBref.
The same statistical website liken his profile to that of Sergio Reguilon, who is thought to be available for transfer and isn’t likely to play for the club this season, which is rather interesting.
Udogie has been lauded as “the future” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has also described the 19-year-old sensation as an “accurate and tenacious tackler,” as well as a “hard-working” and “versatile.”
Also once dubbed “extraorindary” by his former Bianconeri boss Gabriele Cioffi, it’s evident that the young defender has a lot of quality and could be a player that bolsters Spurs’ future plans and that’s surely a worrying sign for Sessegnon, who is currently next in line after Perisic.
As such, sporting director Fabio Paratici must push ahead with plans to sign the Udinese gem and he must ensure that he remains in Italy until next summer, where he could then fight for a place against Perisic and co.
AND in other news, Spurs have “unplayable” £10m ace “on their list”, could be bye-bye “shaky” Jose Mourinho flop…
