Tottenham Hotspur were busy throughout the summer transfer window as Antonio Conte wanted players to add quality depth and increase competition for starting spots in the team ahead of the new season. Fabio Paratici, Spurs’ Director of Football, was a busy man trying to negotiate deals and deliver the signings in time for the pre-season tour the Lilywhites were scheduled to go to. There were 7 new arrivals at the club with the club spending more than £140 million. Destiny Udogie was a signing which was an interesting transfer that Conte asked for.
Paratici and Conte were both impressed by the Udinese defender and wanted to bring the player to North London. A deal was reached with Udinese for a fee of 20 million pounds plus add ons which would see Destiny move back to the Serie A on loan for the season. The fullback has been in impressive form in his side’s seven games so far this season. Udinese currently sits third in the table with only 1 loss with the joint 4th best defence in the league so far.
The standout performance of the Italian outfit came on matchday 5 as they cruised to a 4-0 win against Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma. Destiny opened the scoring in the opening 5 minutes of the game with a brilliant run into the box from his left-wing back position. Roma were completely outclassed by Udinese with the Italian fullback on the scoresheet and being excellent defensively nullifying the threat of Paulo Dybala in the match.
Conte was left convinced of the player’s potential and talent watching his performances last season and spoke very highly of the fullback when asked about his plans with Destiny next season. The Italian said, “You said it well, he’s(Destiny) a player for the future. I think he is a good prospect for Tottenham because we are talking about a young player. For sure this player needs to develop like Spence and in my opinion a good investment for the club. Now he continues to play in this season with Udinese and in this way he has the possibility to play regularly. When you are young you need to play to improve your experience. For sure we are talking about a good prospect, but we are talking about a player for the future not for the present. He has to develop and to grow with a group of players with more experience.”
Next season, Conte will have Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie, Ryan Sessegnon, Ivan Perisic, Matt Doherty, and Emerson Royal for his wingback positions which is a great blend of experience and youth. Some exciting times for the Spurs faithful who would be extremely happy with their side’s unbeaten start to the league sitting in 3rd position.
