Inter Milan have finalized a £30 million agreement to acquire England international defender Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the deal includes a 10 percent sell‑on clause, ensuring the English club will benefit from any future transfer involving the player. The transfer process accelerated after Spurs granted Spence permission to travel to Italy for a medical examination, signalling that negotiations between the two clubs were nearing completion.
The parties have now settled on a total package worth £30 million, marking a significant profit for Tottenham, who originally signed the full‑back for a fee reported to be around £12.5 million. Spence arrived at the World Cup in Qatar as a rising star, playing a key role in England's impressive run to a third‑place finish. His performances on the global stage highlighted his pace, defensive acumen and ability to contribute to attacking play down the flanks.
Despite this, his prospects at Tottenham appeared limited for the upcoming Premier League campaign. The club has a crowded defensive roster: Pedro Porro is firmly entrenched as the first‑choice right‑back, while the left‑side sees competition from Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Alessandro Souã, and Ben Davies, all capable of covering the role.
Consequently, Spence was unlikely to secure regular minutes under the current hierarchy. Inter, on the other hand, have been actively searching for a dynamic option at right wing‑back. Their pursuit of French winger Moussa Diaby from Al Ittihad stalled, prompting the Italian side to turn their attention to Spence.
The English defender's blend of speed, stamina and crossing ability fits the tactical profile that manager Simone Inzaghi desires for his back line, especially in a system that relies on full‑backs to provide width and support the attack. Spence still had three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, with an additional one‑year extension option. However, the player expressed a strong desire to move, citing his positive experience during a six‑month loan spell at Genoa earlier in 2024. That stint in Serie A gave him a taste of Italian football and helped him adapt to the tactical demands of the league, making the permanent switch to Inter an attractive proposition.
Tottenham originally secured Spence from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for a fee that could rise to £20 million, depending on performance-related add‑ons. The club’s investment has now more than doubled, delivering a solid financial return. Sky Sports News' Mark McAdam summed up the sentiment among Spurs supporters: many will recall flashes of Spence's brilliance, particularly his standout displays for England at the World Cup, yet some may feel a mix of frustration and satisfaction. While the £30 million price tag represents a sizable profit over the £12.5 million originally paid, fans might also argue that the amount is modest for a player who could become a pivotal figure for a top‑flight side.
"They may also think it is frustrating. They paid £12.5m for him from Middlesbrough in 2022, a deal that Daniel Levy did.
They are getting more than two times what they paid for him," McAdam noted. "But they will also say it doesn't feel like a lot of money for a player who could be so key for us.
Spurs have been preparing for this and have irons in the fire for his potential replacement." The transfer underscores Inter's commitment to strengthening their squad ahead of a demanding season that includes domestic league challenges and European competition. By adding a player of Spence's calibre, they aim to enhance both defensive solidity and offensive thrust from the right flank.
For Tottenham, the sale frees up a valuable wage bill and provides funds that can be reinvested in areas of need, while also allowing a promising young talent to continue his development in a league that suits his style. In summary, the £30 million deal not only reflects Inter's strategic recruitment but also marks a profitable exit for Tottenham, who capitalise on Spence's rising profile after his World Cup heroics. The inclusion of a sell‑on clause ensures that Spurs will benefit from any future transfer, adding an extra layer of financial security.
As the summer transfer window progresses, both clubs will look to build on this transaction to achieve their respective ambitions for the upcoming season.