Fabrizio Romano Confirms Man City are ‘Closely Tracking’ Tottenham Hotspur Star | OneFootball

Man City Eye Ambitious Move for Spurs’ Destiny Udogie – Romano Reveals Full-Back Pursuit

Manchester City’s pursuit of a new full-back has taken an unexpected twist, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that Spurs’ Destiny Udogie is now firmly on their radar. City’s interest in the young Italian has taken many by surprise — but the move underlines the Premier League champions’ intent to evolve once again under Pep Guardiola.

Udogie’s Rise at Spurs Sparks City Interest

As Romano confirmed, City’s incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is “a huge fan” of Udogie and has placed the 22-year-old high on his list of potential targets. Udogie enjoyed a standout debut season under Ange Postecoglou, with his dynamism and attacking intent down the left flank winning admirers across the league.

Photo: IMAGO

While he has experienced a noticeable dip in form this season — much like many of his teammates — his ceiling remains sky-high. Spurs, despite their struggles, still view him as “one of the most important young players in the squad”, according to Romano’s report.

City are believed to be “closely tracking” Udogie’s situation and are aware of the complications involved in pulling off such a deal. The full-back’s long-term contract until 2030 makes any potential transfer both expensive and politically sensitive. However, Tottenham’s recent slide in form — with the club languishing in 14th place — could play into City’s hands.

Guardiola’s Tactical Evolution Drives Full-Back Search

Kyle Walker’s potential permanent move to AC Milan is a key factor in City’s transfer considerations. With the England international likely to leave, City are prioritising reinforcement on the flanks — especially with Pep Guardiola’s evolving tactical setups requiring versatile, intelligent full-backs.

Interestingly, Romano mentions that right-back is the primary concern, despite Udogie being a left-back by trade. It’s suggested that his appeal partly lies in his potential two-footedness, though as the report notes, Spurs fans “are yet to see much evidence that he boasts any confidence with his right foot.”

Photo: IMAGO

Guardiola has shown a recent willingness to deploy Matheus Nunes at right-back, even admitting the Portugal midfielder might make the switch permanent, as he’s “not clever enough” to operate in midfield, per the original piece. Such experimentation only further highlights the manager’s need for reliable and natural defenders to fill these roles long-term.

Alternatives Still on the Table

Romano also pointed out that Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus remains a target. City were heavily linked with the Italian in January, and with Liverpool also interested, the competition remains fierce. Cambiaso may ultimately prove a more straightforward deal than Udogie, but City are leaving no stone unturned.

This meticulous approach speaks volumes about the standards Guardiola demands. Udogie’s name surfacing isn’t just smoke — it reflects how City aim to out-think and outmanoeuvre rivals in the market, identifying rising stars before they fully explode.

Spurs Face Dilemma Amid Declining Fortunes

Tottenham’s reluctance to lose Udogie is understandable, particularly with his youth, contract length, and fan-favourite potential. Yet, football is often dictated by timing and momentum — and right now, Spurs appear to be stalling.

If Udogie feels City offers a faster track to trophies, personal development, and Champions League football, he may find it hard to resist. For Tottenham, a substantial offer could test their resolve — especially with squad rebuilding likely on the agenda this summer.

As Romano puts it, “City are under no illusion as to how difficult a deal for Udogie would be to pull off,” but that won’t deter them from trying.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester City fan’s perspective, this report will stir real excitement. Udogie might not have been the first name on the wishlist, but the 22-year-old fits City’s mould — young, technical, and with high upside.

Seeing Pep Guardiola and his recruitment team target a player like Udogie — especially after Spurs’ dip — feels like another strategic masterstroke. This isn’t a panic buy or a vanity purchase; it’s a clever piece of long-term squad building. Udogie can overlap, underlap, and press — all things Pep adores in his full-backs.

Sure, questions remain about his ability to play on the right, but let’s not forget how Guardiola turned João Cancelo into a two-footed monster. If Udogie has even half the tactical flexibility Cancelo developed under Pep, City fans will be in for a treat.

There’s also a bit of poetic justice in possibly poaching a key talent from a rival like Spurs — especially after years of seeing them hold firm. If Udogie sees the Etihad as a better platform, who could blame him? Trophies, development, and European football — it’s all there.

From a fan point of view, this is a move that screams ambition and vision. Let’s hope the board push it through.