Inter Milan have finalized a £30 million transfer for England full‑back Djed Spence, who is moving on from Tottenham Hotspur. According to Sky Sports News, the deal also contains a 10 percent sell‑on clause, meaning that if Inter later sell Spence, Tottenham will receive a tenth of the future fee.
The transfer process accelerated on Friday when Spence was granted permission to travel to Italy for a medical examination, even as negotiations between the two clubs were still ongoing. By the end of the day a comprehensive agreement worth around £30 million was confirmed, sealing the move. Spence entered the international spotlight during England's impressive run to third place at the 2024 World Cup, where his performances on the right flank earned widespread praise.
Despite his rising profile, his prospects at Tottenham looked increasingly limited. The Spurs have a crowded defensive roster: Pedro Porro is entrenched as the first‑choice right‑back, while the left‑back positions are contested by Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Sou‑Sou, and Ben Davies, all capable of covering that side of the pitch. Consequently, Spence’s chances of regular Premier League action appeared slim.
Inter have been on the hunt for a dynamic right wing‑back to complement their attacking system. Their pursuit of French winger Moussa Diaby from Al‑Ittihad fell through, prompting the Italian side to turn their attention to Spence.
His blend of pace, defensive solidity and ability to contribute offensively fits the profile Inter have been seeking for their back line. Spence still had three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, with an additional optional year, but his recent six‑month loan spell at Genoa, beginning in January 2024, gave him a taste of Serie A football and sparked his desire for a permanent move to Italy. The loan stint proved beneficial, allowing him to adapt to the tactical demands of Italian football and showcase his versatility. Tottenham originally acquired Spence from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for a fee that could rise to £20 million, depending on performance‑related add‑ons.
The club invested heavily, hoping he would develop into a long‑term solution at right‑back. However, after two seasons, the combination of limited playing time and the club’s evolving defensive strategy led both parties to consider a transfer. Upon confirming the deal, Spence took to the social media platform X to bid farewell to Tottenham. In his post he wrote: "A special chapter comes to an end.
It's been some journey, with plenty of memories, moments and experiences that I'll carry with me forever, especially that night in Bilbao. Thanks to all the staff members who've helped me along the way, the players who've become family and most importantly thank you to the fans. It's time for a new chapter, but Spurs will always have a place in my heart.
COYS!!" His message reflected both gratitude and optimism for the next stage of his career. Sky Sports News commentator Mark McAdam summed up the situation: "Spence is a player Spurs fans will say they have seen his brilliance in flashes. You saw his brilliance at the World Cup with England.
They may also think it is frustrating. They paid £12.5 million for him from Middlesbrough in 2022, a deal that Daniel Levy did.
They are getting more than two times what they paid for him. But they will also say it doesn't feel like a lot of money for a player who could be so important. Spurs have been preparing for this, though, and already have potential replacements in mind." McAdam highlighted the financial upside for Tottenham and the club's strategic planning. The transfer is expected to bolster Inter's right side, giving them a player accustomed to high‑intensity matches and capable of contributing both defensively and in attack.
For Spence, the move offers a chance to cement a starting role in one of Europe’s top leagues, continue his development under a new coaching staff, and potentially feature in Champions League fixtures. In broader context, the deal underscores the growing trend of English talents moving abroad to gain experience and playing time, a pattern that has accelerated after the 2022 World Cup.
Players like Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden and others have considered overseas options, and Spence's transfer may encourage further cross‑border moves. Inter’s management expressed enthusiasm about the signing, noting that Spence’s age—still in his early twenties—means he has ample room to grow. They anticipate that his exposure to Serie A’s tactical discipline will refine his defensive instincts while his attacking instincts will add a new dimension to Inter’s wing‑back role.
Tottenham, meanwhile, will likely reinvest part of the £30 million received to strengthen other areas of the squad, possibly targeting younger prospects or seasoned players to fill the void left by Spence. The club’s scouting department is reportedly already monitoring several candidates who could step into the right‑back slot, ensuring continuity in their defensive lineup.
Overall, the transfer represents a win‑win scenario: Inter acquire a promising English international at a price that reflects both his potential and market value, while Tottenham recoup a significant sum and free up a roster spot for emerging talent. Fans of both clubs will be watching closely to see how Spence adapts to his new environment and how his departure influences Tottenham’s upcoming season plans.