Stefano Antonelli, the agent of Udinese left back Destiny Udogie, discussed his client’s focus on Tottenham and their decision to pay €18m to secure his signature.
The North London outfit picked up the 19-year-old Italian full back in the summer, snapping him up on a five-year contract before sending him back to Udinese on loan for this season. Udogie has continued to impress this season for the Bianconeri, scoring two goals and providing one assist in 11 Serie A appearances this season.
Speaking to Radio Crc, Antonelli first discussed Udogie’s work with Udinese this season.
“He is owned by Tottenham, he is at Udinese only on loan, finally some youngsters are emerging. Udogie is the Under-21 player who has played the most minutes in Italy, before Kvara got injured.
“To see such young players emerge is truly extraordinary. He won’t play in Naples on Saturday, he has a small flexor injury.”
He reflected on Udinese’s decision to pick up the 19-year-old from Hellas Verona in 2021 and the clubs other than Tottenham interested in signing him.
“Tottenham took Udogie off the market, but Udinese did well to get him because when Verona needed to sell, everyone would have gladly taken him, even Milan and Juve. But, at that moment, Udinese believed in him more than all the suitors and paid €2.8m for him.
“It was not so easy to get him, by the way in Naples he played a great game in which he fully demonstrated his value. I think Napoli would have needed a left-back in that area of the pitch at that time. Torino also would have taken him straight away, but Udinese were the shrewder club.”
The agent commented on his client’s focus on Tottenham and the work the North London club are doing with him.
“I’ve spoken to Udogie about Tottenham, but he keeps telling me he’s focused on Udinese. Of course he keeps an eye on Tottenham, which, by the way, are such an organised club that they have a person in charge of Destiny.
“It is inevitable that Udogie will end up with the Italian national team, but Mancini will decide how and when.”
Finally, Antonelli gave his thoughts on Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli this season.
“By far the most beautiful football is played by Napoli. At Dimaro there was talk of non-designation, there was absolute sadness and instead Napoli has become a certainty. Now there is the break and it is true that it is long, but I am certain that Napoli will continue to do well.”