Jamie O’Hara labels Destiny Udogie a great signing for Tottenham under Fabio Paratici’s leadership
Tottenham Hotspur have officially appointed Fabio Paratici as joint sporting director, partnering with Johan Lange, who has been promoted from the position of technical director to share the role. Together they will plan, execute and share the recruitment strategy moving forward.
Fabio Paratici returns to a full-time role following a 30-month FIFA ban from the game after allegations of false accounting at his former club Juventus. This led to him stepping down from his role as Spurs’ managing director of football two years ago. The experienced Italian coming back to N17 has led to yet another change in leadership structure after Daniel Levy’s sudden departure from the chairman post at the start of September.
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has hailed Fabio Paratici’s ‘great eye’ on return to the club. The 53-year-old has already enjoyed one very successful spell at White Hart Lane, having played a key role in the signings Rodrigo Bentancur, Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Djed Spence, Pape Matar Sarr, Pedro Porro and many more.
Destiny Udogie was also signed under the watchful eyes of Paratici in 2022 from Udinese. He was immediately loaned back to Udinese for the 2022/23 season.
Ex-Spurs midfielder rates the signing of Destiny Udogie
Destiny Udogie has been a mainstay in Tottenham’s defence since officially arriving in the summer of 2023. He enjoyed a strong albeit injury-curtailed debut season in the Premier League, adding zest, attacking flair, pace and solidity to the side. The Italy international’s form dipped last season as once again injuries stemmed his development.
Injuries have followed him this term as well, resulting in a slow start for the Verona-born talent after missing the entire pre-season tour of Asia. Udogie has been battling with Djed Spence for the left-back spot in the team, with Thomas Frank delighted to have this area of the pitch covered.
When discussing Paratici’s top Tottenham signings, English pundit Jamie O’Hara admitted that Udogie has been a hit. He has been injury-prone, but the ex-Spurs midfielder claims that for £15million, the Italian is a “great” signing.
“Yeah. I’d have to say hit. I thought he was really good under Ange. He had moments. He got injured,” Jamie O’Hara told Sky Sports.
“This season. Spence’s kept him out of the team, but again for 15 million pounds, he’s a great player. Great signing!”
Udogie has to keep himself fit
Udogie has had a patchy injury record in his career thus far. Since officially joining Tottenham in 2023, his development has been hampered by knee and hamstring issues. The left-back must overcome those to attain consistency at Tottenham and the Italy national team.
The 22-year-old is a vital player for Tottenham and having him in the starting XI makes a difference. Being naturally left-footed, Udogie can open up spaces and make better passing angles than Spence from the left-back position. Having recovered now from a knee issue, he will hope to keep himself fit and available for the rest of the gruelling campaign.
