Inter Milan have finalized a £30 million agreement to bring England full‑back Djed Spence to the San Siro, ending weeks of negotiation between the Italian club and Tottenham Hotspur. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the deal also contains a 10 percent sell‑on clause, meaning that if Inter later sell Spence, a tenth of the future fee will revert to the London side. The transfer was sealed after Spence was granted permission to travel to Italy for a medical examination, a standard step that confirmed both parties were ready to commit. The final package, reported to be worth around £30 million in total, satisfies Tottenham’s valuation and provides Inter with a versatile defender who can operate on either flank.
Spence arrived on the international stage as one of the standout performers for England at the 2022 World Cup, where the Three Lions secured a third‑place finish. His energetic runs, solid defensive work‑rate and ability to contribute in attack caught the eye of scouts across Europe. However, his prospects at Tottenham looked increasingly limited for the upcoming Premier League campaign. The competition for the right‑back slot is fierce, with Pedro Porro firmly entrenched as the first‑choice option.
On the left side, Tottenham boasts a deep roster that includes Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, João Souza and Ben Davies, all capable of covering the position. In such an environment, Spence risked spending much of the season on the bench. Inter, meanwhile, have been actively searching for a new right wing‑back after a failed pursuit of Al Ittihad’s Moussa Diaby. The Italian side identified Spence as a suitable replacement because of his pace, defensive discipline and willingness to get forward.
His recent six‑month loan spell at Genoa, where he adapted quickly to Serie A’s tactical demands, further convinced the Inter hierarchy that he could make an immediate impact. The defender still had three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, with an additional year‑option that could have extended his stay.
Nonetheless, Spence expressed a strong desire to move, citing his positive experience in Italy during his loan stint. He reportedly feels that a permanent switch to Inter will give him regular first‑team football and a platform to continue developing his game at a high level. Tottenham originally acquired Spence from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for an initial fee of £12.5 million, potentially rising to £20 million with add‑ons. The club’s chief executive, Daniel Levy, oversaw that purchase, and the new £30 million deal means Inter are paying more than double the amount Tottenham initially spent.
Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam highlighted the mixed reactions among Spurs supporters: "Fans will recall flashes of brilliance from Spence, especially his performances for England at the World Cup. While some may be frustrated to see him leave, the financial return is significant – more than twice what we paid. Yet others will argue that the price is modest for a player who could still be a key asset." Levy’s board appears to have anticipated the move, with reports suggesting that Tottenham have already identified potential replacements and are keeping other targets on their radar. The club’s strategic planning indicates that while Spence’s departure is a loss on the pitch, it could be leveraged to strengthen other areas of the squad.
From Inter’s perspective, the acquisition aligns with their broader strategy of blending experienced internationals with emerging talent. The club has a history of nurturing English players—such as former captain Leonardo Bonucci’s partnership with the likes of James Milner in the past—and sees Spence as a long‑term investment.
His ability to play both right and left full‑back positions offers tactical flexibility, allowing manager Simone Inzaghi to experiment with different formations, whether deploying a back‑four or a back‑three with wing‑backs. Looking ahead, Spence’s integration into the Inter squad will be closely watched.
He will need to adapt to the tactical rigour of Serie A, which emphasizes positional awareness and defensive solidity. However, his exposure to Italian football during his Genoa loan should ease this transition.
If he can replicate the dynamism he displayed for England—making overlapping runs, delivering accurate crosses, and contributing to clean sheets—he could quickly become a regular starter. In summary, the £30 million transfer of Djed Spence from Tottenham to Inter Milan represents a win‑win scenario: Tottenham receive a substantial financial boost and can re‑allocate resources, while Inter secure a versatile, internationally‑tested defender ready to bolster their right side. The inclusion of a 10 percent sell‑on clause also ensures that Tottenham will benefit from any future resale, keeping the financial upside open-ended. Fans of both clubs will now turn their attention to how the deal unfolds on the pitch, with Spence poised to embark on the next chapter of his professional career in Italy.