Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that left-back Destiny Udogie has signed a new contract with the club until the summer of 2030.
The Italy international was not due to become a free agent for another four years, but he has been handed a new long-term deal with a pay rise to reflect his growing importance to the team.
Udogie was signed from Udinese in the summer of 2022, but he remained with the Serie A club on loan for the 2022-23 campaign before touching down in North London as the Ange Postecoglou era began.
Amid Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic's injuries and Sergio Reguilon's loan switch to Manchester United, Udogie has become Postecoglou's first-choice left-back, starting 14 of their opening 16 Premier League games this term.
The 21-year-old has registered one goal and two assists in his maiden top-flight campaign, netting for the first time in Sunday's 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Destiny is here to stay! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/02k5t4zudd
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 12, 2023
It was only reported on Monday that Udogie had given the green light to a renewal, and Spurs have now confirmed that the 2002-born defender has extended his stay for another three seasons.
Speaking to Tottenham's media channels after signing on the dotted line, Udogie revealed that he felt "at home" in the English capital and is slowly adapting to the rigours of Premier League football.
"I'm really happy... happy because to be here at this club is a big joy for me, and happy for this opportunity. From the first day I came here, I felt at home, with the players, the coaching staff, the whole club, I feel so welcome," Udogie said.
"It's the way everyone at the club respects you, the players, everyone. The Premier League is very tough, it's a physical league, intense... the staff are doing big work every day, and it's showing on the pitch.
"It's the most difficult league, you have to be ready mentally, physically, and I'm finding a good experience. Every day I'm learning something new, every day working with great players."
© Reuters
Udogie has become the second Spurs player to sign a contract extension since the start of the season, as backup goalkeeper Fraser Forster also penned fresh terms until 2025 just last week.
However, four players are due to become free agents at the end of the season, as Hugo Lloris, Eric Dier, Brandon Austin and Perisic will all enter the final six months of their deal in January.
All of Lloris, Dier and Perisic are expected to depart either in January or the summer, with the former being heavily linked with a winter switch to Newcastle United after Nick Pope's shoulder injury.
Tottenham sit fifth in the Premier League table and return to action away to Nottingham Forest on Friday night.
Ben Knapton
