Inter Milan have officially sealed a £30 million transfer for England full‑back Djed Spence, ending weeks of negotiation with his former club Tottenham Hotspur. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the agreement also incorporates a 10 percent sell‑on clause, meaning that if Inter later sell Spence, Tottenham will receive a tenth of the future fee. The move was confirmed after Spence was granted permission to travel to Italy on Friday for a medical examination.
The medical cleared the way for the two sides to finalise a total package worth around £30 million, which includes the player’s wages and possible performance bonuses. The transfer marks a significant step in Spence’s career, taking him from the Premier League to Serie A’s most storied club. Spence arrived on the international stage as a standout performer for England at the 2022 World Cup, helping the Three Lions secure a third‑place finish. His energetic runs down the right flank, precise crossing, and ability to contribute defensively caught the eye of scouts across Europe.
However, his prospects at Tottenham appeared limited for the upcoming season. Spurs have established Pedro Porro as the first‑choice right‑back, while the left side is contested by a deep pool of talent, including Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Sofyan Amrabat and Ben Davies.
With such competition, Spence’s chances of regular first‑team football were likely to be sporadic. Inter, on the other hand, have been actively searching for a dynamic right wing‑back to complement their attacking system. The club’s pursuit of French winger Moussa Diaby from Al‑Ittihad fell through, prompting them to turn their attention to Spence.
His blend of pace, technical skill, and defensive reliability fits the profile of the modern wing‑back that Antonio Conte’s successor favours. Inter’s scouting department highlighted Spence’s adaptability, noting that he can also operate on the left when required, providing tactical flexibility. The defender still had three years remaining on his contract with Tottenham, plus an optional fourth year, but he expressed a strong desire to move after a productive six‑month loan spell with Genoa in Serie A earlier this year.
During that stint, Spence adapted quickly to Italian football, showcasing his ability to handle the tactical demands of the league and earning praise from Genoa’s coaching staff. His positive experience in Italy likely influenced his decision to embrace a permanent move to another Serie A side. Spence’s initial arrival in London was the result of a £20 million deal (potentially rising to £20 million) that saw Tottenham sign him from Middlesbrough in July 2022.
At the time, Spurs paid £12.5 million upfront and added add‑ons, a figure that Daniel Levy, Tottenham’s chief executive, defended as a strategic investment in a young English talent. Now, with the £30 million fee, Tottenham are set to make a tidy profit, more than doubling their original outlay. Following the announcement, Spence took to the social media platform X to bid farewell to the club and its supporters.
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 fans, many of whom responded with gratitude and well‑wishes for his next adventure. Sky Sports News commentator Mark McAdam reflected on the transfer, noting that Spurs supporters have often witnessed Spence’s flashes of brilliance, particularly during his World Cup performances. McAdam added, "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." Inter’s acquisition of Spence signals their intent to reinforce the squad ahead of a demanding domestic campaign and a deep run in European competition. The club’s management believes that Spence’s youthful energy will inject fresh impetus into their right side, while also offering a long‑term solution as they look to balance experience with emerging talent. For Spence, the move presents an opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter in one of Europe’s top leagues, potentially reigniting his international prospects with England. Overall, the £30 million transfer underscores the growing trend of English defenders moving abroad to further their development, and it highlights Inter Milan’s strategic approach to securing promising talent at a reasonable price.
As the summer transfer window draws to a close, all eyes will be on Spence to see how quickly he adapts to the Serie A environment and whether he can help Inter achieve their ambitious objectives for the season.