'Another overhaul'- Manchester City must pay over the odds to land Tottenham star

The Tottenham left-back has emerged as a target for Manchester City ahead of the summer transfer window. Destiny Udogie enjoyed a strong debut season in North London after officially arriving at the club from Udinese in 2023, but he has been inconsistent like most of his teammates this term. Yet, he seems to have done enough to have caught the attention of Manchester City, whose new sporting director, Hugo Viana, is understood to be a long-term admirer of the Italy international.

Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson feels that the Sky Blues will need to overpay if they want to sign Udogie. Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the English pundit stated that the left-back is viewed as a vital player who the club wants to keep amid a potential squad revamp this summer.

“It’s a deal Manchester City would have to overpay for,” Paul Robinson said on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.

“He’s got a decent length left on his contract and has been one of Tottenham’s best players this season, although there’s not much competition given their performances this year. But actually he’s been a standout performer and is one of the players they want to keep.

“You can see another overhaul coming at Tottenham with a new manager and new set of players. Udogie is not going to be one of the ones the club look to let go. We all know that Daniel Levy drives a hard bargain and whoever comes in for Udogie will have to overpay. I don’t think Man City will be willing to do that for a left-back.”

Despite suggestions over a possible squad overhaul under a new head coach amid increasing pressure on Ange Postecoglou, Udogie’s position at the club remains safe. He is not seen as part of the likely exodus, considering how important the defender has been to Tottenham.

If Man City accelerates their pursuit of the Italian international, Spurs would be within their rights to demand a sizeable fee. Udogie is only 22, now experienced in the Premier League with a huge ceiling, so it is not surprising that Pep Guardiola wants the Verona-born talent to bolster his team’s defensive options next season. Plus, the player is contracted to Tottenham until 2030 ( Transfermarkt), which puts Levy in a great negotiating position.

All in all, we must resist offers for Udogie in the summer. He is a big part of the club’s present and future, and instead of considering any potential bids from City, Levy must sign a young left-back to compete and cover for Udogie from next term.