Tottenham have made their seventh summer signing, with Destiny Udogie close to completing a deal with the north London club. The deal for the Italian will see him loaned back to Udinese for the rest of the 2022/23 season, before making the permanent move to N17.
The youngster made 35 Serie A appearances last season, with eight goal contributions. His versatility down the left flank will make him a perfect left wing-back for Antonio Conte, when he does arrive.
The original fee was thought to be around £22million, although football.london understands it is now expected to cost Spurs just £15million, with a potential extra £3million in add-ons. The 19-year-old was at Hotspur Way on Monday, to undergo his medical and put the final touches to his deal, before heading back to join Udinese for training on Tuesday.
READ MORE: Destiny Udogie undergoing medical at Tottenham as even lower transfer fee revealed
In April, Udogie opened up on some of the positives to his game. "I love to attack, I love to attack," he said on The Italian Football podcast. "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."
All of these attributes can create a good foundation for a wing-back in Conte's system. Udogie was also very honest about improvements he needed to make, claiming he could improve "almost everywhere".
Ahead of his short trip to London, Udogie spoke to Tuttomercatoweb (via HITC) from Verona airport, on his move. "I’m very happy. It’s a good feeling to go to the Premier League, work with Conte, sign with Tottenham," he admitted.
"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."
The ambition and drive that the Italian already has, will be welcomed by Conte. The fact that Udogie already appreciates the Spurs boss, before he has even begun working with him, is also a positive.
Udinese began their season last weekend, losing 4-2 to AC Milan, although Udogie wasn't involved in the matchday squad. His loan back to the Italian side will hopefully see him get more regular game time under his belt.
This will not only keep up his match fitness, but also help him develop further, ahead of linking up with Conte and the Tottenham side. It also means that Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic will have to work that much harder to impress, knowing that someone is going to make the move to north London next summer, to try and compete for the left wing-back spot.
READ NEXT:
Antonio Conte makes exciting Pape Matar Sarr claim after Tottenham's draw against Chelsea
Paratici's Garner interest, Hojbjerg's intense Romero talk and Perisic instructing Sessegnon
Full Tottenham Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
What Destiny Udogie's Tottenham move could mean for Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic?
Tottenham's summer transfer business assessment as Antonio Conte continues to strengthen
