Inter Milan have finalized a £30 million transfer for England international defender Djed Spence, securing his services from Tottenham Hotspur. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the agreement also incorporates a 10 percent sell‑on clause, ensuring that Tottenham will receive a share of any future transfer fee should Inter decide to move the player on again. The move was set in motion after Spence was granted permission to travel to Italy on Friday for a medical examination, while negotiations between the two clubs continued behind the scenes.
The medical went smoothly, and a comprehensive package worth £30 million has now been agreed, sealing the deal. Spence arrived at the World Cup in Qatar as one of England's standout performers, helping the Three Lions secure a respectable third‑place finish.
Despite his impressive international display, his prospects at Tottenham looked increasingly limited. The London club already have a clear hierarchy at full‑back, with Pedro Porro firmly established as the first‑choice right‑back.
On the left side, the options are equally crowded, featuring Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, João Souza and Ben Davies, all capable of filling the role. In such a competitive environment, Spence was unlikely to enjoy regular starts in the upcoming Premier League season. Inter, meanwhile, have been on the hunt for a dynamic right‑wing‑back to bolster their squad. Their pursuit of Al‑Ittihad forward Moussa Diaby stalled, prompting the Serie A side to turn their attention to Spence.
The Italian club see him as a modern, attacking full‑back who can provide width, pace and defensive solidity – qualities that align with manager Simone Inzaghi's tactical blueprint. Spence entered the negotiations with three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, plus an optional fourth year. His desire to leave was amplified by a successful six‑month loan spell at Genoa earlier in 2024, where he adapted quickly to Italian football and impressed with his work rate and crossing ability. That experience not only familiarised him with the Italian league but also demonstrated his capacity to thrive outside the Premier League.
Tottenham originally signed Spence from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for a fee that could rise to £20 million, depending on performance-related add‑ons. At the time, the North London club viewed him as a long‑term solution for the right‑back position, investing a substantial sum to secure his services. However, with the emergence of other full‑backs and the club's evolving tactical plans, Spence found his pathway to the first team increasingly obstructed.
After the announcement, Spence took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to bid farewell to the Spurs faithful. In his heartfelt message 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!!" The post resonated with supporters, many of whom responded with gratitude and best wishes for his next adventure. Sky Sports News analyst Mark McAdam reflected on the transfer, noting that Spurs fans have witnessed Spence's flashes of brilliance, particularly during the World Cup. "They may also think it is frustrating," McAdam said.
"They paid £12.5 million for him from Middlesbrough in 2022, a deal that Daniel Levy executed. They are now receiving more than twice what they paid for him. Yet, many will argue that the fee is modest for a player of his potential.
Spurs have been preparing for this exit and already have potential replacements lined up." From a financial perspective, the deal represents a solid return on investment for Tottenham. The inclusion of a 10 percent sell‑on clause could further boost the club's earnings if Inter later sell Spence for a higher amount.
For Inter, the acquisition is a strategic move to inject youthful energy into their defensive line while also securing a player with proven international experience. Looking ahead, Spence will join a squad that recently clinched the Serie A title and boasts a deep roster featuring the likes of Lautaro Martínez, Nicolò Barella and Romelu Lukaku. Under Inzaghi's guidance, he is expected to compete for the right‑wing‑back role alongside seasoned campaigners such as Matteo Darmian. The Italian side will likely rely on Spence's ability to overlap, deliver precise crosses and track back swiftly, attributes that made him a standout at the World Cup.
The transfer also highlights a broader trend of Premier League talents moving to Serie A, attracted by the league's tactical emphasis and the opportunity for regular playing time. For Spence, the move offers a fresh challenge, the chance to develop under a different coaching philosophy, and the platform to showcase his abilities on both domestic and European stages.
In summary, Djed Spence's £30 million switch from Tottenham to Inter Milan marks a pivotal moment in his career. It provides the London club with a profitable exit, offers Inter a promising right‑wing‑back to reinforce their defense, and gives the 23‑year‑old a new arena to continue his growth.
Fans of both clubs will be watching closely to see how the young Englishman adapts to the demands of Italian football and whether he can replicate the brilliance he displayed on the world stage for England.