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 also incorporates a 10 percent sell‑on clause, meaning that if Inter later sells Spence, Tottenham will receive a tenth of the future transfer fee. The transfer process accelerated after Spence was granted permission to travel to Italy for a medical examination, signalling that both clubs were nearing a consensus.
The medical was successfully completed, and the two sides have now confirmed a total package worth £30 million for the full‑back. Spence rose to prominence during England's impressive run to a third‑place finish at the 2022 World Cup, where his pace, defensive tenacity and ability to contribute to attacks caught the eye of fans and pundits alike. Despite his rising profile, his prospects for regular first‑team action at Tottenham appeared limited for the upcoming season.
The Spurs have a crowded defensive roster: Pedro Porro is entrenched as the first‑choice right‑back, while the left side features a rotation of Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, James Souza and Ben Davies, all capable of filling the role. Consequently, Spence’s pathway to consistent minutes seemed obstructed.
Inter, on the other hand, have been actively seeking a fresh option for the right‑wing‑back position. Their pursuit of Moussa Diaby from Al‑Ittihad fell through, prompting the Italian side to turn their attention to Spence as a viable alternative. The club believes his blend of speed, stamina and attacking instincts will complement their tactical setup, which often relies on full‑backs to provide width and support in the final third.
Spence entered the negotiations with three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, plus an optional extra year. However, his desire for a new challenge was evident after a productive six‑month loan spell at Genoa earlier this year, where he adapted quickly to Italian football and showcased his versatility. This experience likely eased his transition to Serie A and reinforced his enthusiasm for a permanent move abroad.
Tottenham originally secured Spence’s services from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for a fee that could rise to £20 million, depending on performance-related add‑ons. The defender quickly became a fan favourite, delivering flashes of brilliance that reminded supporters of his potential. Yet, as Mark McAdam of Sky Sports News noted, while many Spurs fans recall his moments of excellence—particularly his standout performances for England at the World Cup—there is also a sense of frustration. The club invested £12.5 million in the initial deal, and now stands to receive more than double that amount from Inter, a financial windfall that reflects both Spence’s development and the market dynamics.
McAdam quoted club insiders saying, "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. 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." This sentiment captures the dual nature of the transfer: a lucrative exit for Tottenham and a strategic acquisition for Inter. From a tactical perspective, Inter’s manager is expected to deploy Spence as a dynamic right‑wing‑back, allowing him to overlap with midfielders, deliver crosses into the box, and track back swiftly to fulfill defensive duties.
His ability to play both as a traditional full‑back and as a more advanced wing‑back aligns with Inter’s flexible formations, which often shift between a back four and a back three depending on the opposition. The move also reflects a broader trend of Premier League talents seeking opportunities in Serie A, where the emphasis on tactical discipline and technical skill can further refine a player’s game.
For Spence, the challenge will be to adapt to a new league’s pace and physicality while maintaining the attacking flair that made him a standout at the World Cup. In summary, Inter Milan’s £30 million purchase of Djed Spence represents a significant investment in a young English defender with proven international pedigree.
Tottenham benefits financially and can now focus on reshaping their defensive options, while Spence embarks on the next chapter of his career in Italy, eager to make an impact at one of Europe’s most storied clubs.