As the 2025 summer transfer window gets closer, football fans around the world are bracing themselves for what promises to be another wild ride of rumors, negotiations, and last-minute drama. One of the biggest surprise stories so far is the sudden and unexpected interest from Manchester City in Tottenham Hotspur’s rising star – Destiny Udogie.
This move has shocked many. Not because Udogie isn’t talented – far from it – but because Tottenham have made it clear that he’s a crucial part of their future. And yet, reports now claim that City are preparing to test Spurs’ resolve with a huge offer. But is this deal really possible? Or is it just another rumor that will fade away? Let’s dive deep into the full story – from Udogie’s rise, to City’s desperate need for a left-back, to the battle of wills between two of England’s biggest clubs.
Destiny Udogie’s journey is the kind of football story fans love. Born in Verona, Italy, to Nigerian parents, he began playing football as a young boy with big dreams. He joined the youth system at Hellas Verona, his hometown club, and quickly stood out for his speed, strength, and confidence on the ball.
He got his big break at Udinese, where he spent the 2021/22 season on loan. That one season changed everything for him. As a teenager, Udogie made 35 league appearances, scored five goals, and added four assists – numbers that are outstanding for a full-back. His performances didn’t just catch the eye of scouts – they demanded attention. Tottenham moved fast. In 2022, they paid £15 million to sign Udogie, though they loaned him back to Udinese for another year. That allowed him to keep growing in Italy before finally joining the Spurs squad full-time in 2023.
Since arriving in North London, Udogie has become a fan favorite. Under manager Ange Postecoglou, he quickly established himself as a first-choice left-back. In his debut Premier League season, he impressed everyone with his aggressive style, attacking energy, and fearless defending.
Udogie was not just a defender – he was a weapon. He loved charging down the left flank, delivering crosses, and helping Spurs launch quick attacks. His work ethic, combined with his natural talent, made him one of the most exciting young defenders in the league. Even though the 2024/25 season was difficult – Udogie struggled with a few injuries and some inconsistent performances – he still showed flashes of brilliance. And with 11 appearances for the Italian national team, his reputation only continues to grow.
Last summer, City sold Sergio Gomez. Since then, manager Pep Guardiola has been forced to use Josko Gvardiol – who is actually a center-back – on the left side of defense. While Gvardiol has done a solid job, everyone knows it’s not his best position.
Meanwhile, on the right side, Kyle Walker is now on loan at AC Milan, and Rico Lewis is still very young. With several injuries across the back line, City’s defense has looked shaky this season. That’s where Udogie comes in. Young, fast, aggressive, and already experienced in the Premier League, he checks all the boxes for Guardiola’s ideal full-back. He can defend, attack, press, and even play inside the midfield when needed – something Pep loves in his full-backs.
But this deal won’t be simple. Tottenham’s chairman Daniel Levy is known as one of the toughest negotiators in football. Udogie’s current contract runs until 2030, meaning Spurs have no pressure to sell. They hold all the cards.
Sources say Spurs have no interest in selling Udogie unless they receive an “absurd” offer – probably in the range of £70 to £80 million. That’s a huge sum, even for Manchester City. Tottenham see Udogie as a big part of their future. With Postecoglou building a young, energetic team, Udogie is seen as a key figure. Losing him would send the wrong message to fans – and to other players. So while City might want him, they’ll need to dig deep into their pockets to make it happen
There’s another twist: Udogie isn’t the only left-back City are looking at. Reports say Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso is actually Guardiola’s top target. Cambiaso has a very specific skill: he can play left-back, but also drift into midfield during games – something Pep loves for controlling possession. Cambiaso is also cheaper – around £40 to £50 million – and Juventus may be more open to selling than Spurs. That makes him a realistic alternative.
City are also keeping an eye on Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace and Rayan Ait-Nouri of Wolves. Both are solid Premier League performers who could be signed for lower fees. If City decide to focus on these other options, the Udogie deal could die before it begins. On one side, he’s already a key player at Tottenham. He gets regular game time, the fans love him, and he’s close to players like Son Heung-min. Postecoglou believes in him, and he’s an important part of the project. He’s also still young – just 22 – and has time to improve even more.
On the other side, there’s Manchester City – a club that competes for every trophy, every season. Working under Guardiola is a dream for many players. At City, Udogie would play in the Champions League every year and fight for the Premier League title. In recent interviews, Udogie has said he wants to get back to full fitness and repay Tottenham’s trust. That shows loyalty. But loyalty in football can be tested when a big club knocks on the door
Right now, it seems unlikely that Tottenham will sell. They don’t want to, and they don’t need to. Udogie is part of their long-term vision, and unless City offer a massive fee, the answer will be “No.” But City have money. And they have a plan. If they fail to land Cambiaso or other targets, they could come back with a serious bid for Udogie. And if they do, this story could explode into one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer.
For Tottenham, losing Udogie would be a big blow. Replacing him would be tough, and fans would be furious. It would also raise questions about their ability to hold on to their best players. For City, signing Udogie would be a statement of intent – that they’re ready to refresh their squad with young, hungry talents who can dominate for the next five to ten years.
For Udogie, the next few months will be key. He’ll need to focus on finishing the season strong and staying injury-free. But if Manchester City come calling, he may be faced with the biggest decision of his career.
At the moment, the chances of Udogie joining Manchester City in 2025 are low – maybe 20 to 30%. But football is unpredictable. All it takes is one big offer, one phone call, one change of heart. Whether this becomes a real transfer or just another rumor, one thing is clear: Destiny Udogie is going places. And Manchester City are watching closely
