Fiorentina target Udogie or Ruggeri to strengthen left flank
Quick summary
Fiorentina are exploring the signing of left wing-back Destiny Udogie from Tottenham or Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid as they look to reinforce their defensive flanks.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFiorentina director Fabio Paratici continues to work with old club Tottenham Hotspur to bring in Italy international Destiny Udogie, while Atletico Madrid’s Matteo Ruggeri is an alternative.
Paratici had two different spells at Spurs, plus working as an outside advisor during his ban, before coming back to Serie A for Fiorentina in February.
He is now using some of those contacts to seek reinforcements for the team at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, and has set his sights firmly on Udogie.
Udogie or Ruggeri for Fiorentina IPSWICH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Destiny Udogie of Tottenham Hotspur takes on Jaden Philogene of Ipswich Town during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Portman Road on February 22, 2025 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images) The 23-year-old Italy international has struggled with injury and a lack of regular playing time at Tottenham since his transfer from Udinese in 2022.
That move was worth €18m plus up to a further €7m in add-ons, signing a contract to June 2030.
Destiny Udogie of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after a missed chance during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) According to Tuttomercatoweb , this is going to be a very difficult deal to get over the line, because Spurs are asking for €40-50m for the left-back.
Coach Roberto De Zerbi is also determined not to let Udogie leave this summer , even though the player made only 28 appearances this term, contributing one assist.
Paratici is hoping that he can get Tottenham to agree a paid loan with option to buy tied to achieving certain targets during the season.
A cheaper alternative is another Italy international who moved abroad, Matteo Ruggeri, with Atletico Madrid reportedly wanting €25m for his sale.
They only bought Ruggeri from Atalanta last year for €17m plus add-ons.
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What happened
Fiorentina are in the market for a new left wing-back and have identified two main candidates: Destiny Udogie, currently at Tottenham, and Matteo Ruggeri, at Atletico Madrid. Udogie was previously on loan at Udinese and has found limited game time at Spurs, while Ruggeri spent last season on loan at Atalanta. Both would offer competition and depth on the left side of Fiorentina's defensive setup. No fee or agreement has been disclosed at this stage.
Chance analysis
Fiorentina's pursuit of a dedicated left wing-back signals a tactical need to balance their flanks, likely tied to head coach Stefano Pioli's system that relies on overlapping full-backs. Udogie would be a Premier League-proven option but faces competition for minutes at Spurs, while Ruggeri represents a Serie A-experienced alternative with a lower profile. Either signing would address a clear roster gap, but neither appears imminent given the reported early stage of talks.
If completed, the signing would strengthen Fiorentina's left defensive options, with limited immediate impact on Tottenham or Atletico Madrid's first-team plans.
Monitor Fiorentina's defensive depth and left-flank rotations; a confirmed signing would boost their tactical balance in Serie A.