Inter Milan have sealed a £30 million transfer for England full‑back Djed Spence, moving him on 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 Spence be sold again. The defender was granted permission to travel to Italy on Friday for a medical examination while negotiations between the two clubs were still underway.
That medical cleared the way for the finalisation of a total package valued at £30 million, which both parties have now confirmed. Spence was a standout performer for England during the nation’s impressive third‑place finish at the recent World Cup, but his prospects at Tottenham appeared increasingly limited for the upcoming season. At right‑back, Pedro Porro has firmly established himself as the first‑choice option, while the left‑back slot is contested by a host of capable players including Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Sou‑Sou Souza and Ben Davies.
With such depth across the defensive line, Spence’s chances of regular Premier League action seemed uncertain. Inter, meanwhile, have been actively searching for a fresh alternative at right wing‑back.
Their pursuit of French winger Moussa Diaby from Al Ittihad stalled, prompting the Italian side to turn their attention to Spence as a viable solution. The Milanese club see his pace, defensive solidity and ability to contribute in attack as a perfect fit for the demands of Serie A’s wing‑back role. Spence entered the summer with three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, plus an optional extra year.
However, after a productive six‑month loan spell with Genoa in Italy earlier this year – where he adapted quickly to the Italian style of play – he expressed a strong desire to make a permanent move abroad. His experience in Genoa not only familiarised him with the tactical nuances of Serie A but also demonstrated his capacity to thrive outside the Premier League. 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. At the time, the club viewed him as a long‑term solution for the right‑back position, hoping he would develop into a consistent starter.
Over the past two seasons, Spence delivered flashes of brilliance, most notably on the international stage, but his development was hampered by stiff competition for places at White Hart Lane. Following the confirmation of his departure, the defender took to the social platform X 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!!” Sky Sports News analyst Mark McAdam reflected on the transfer, noting that Spurs supporters have witnessed Spence’s talent in intermittent bursts, particularly during his World Cup performances for England. “They may also feel a degree of frustration,” McAdam said.
“Tottenham paid £12.5 million for him when he came from Middlesbrough in 2022, a deal brokered by Daniel Levy. Now they are receiving more than double that amount. Yet many will argue that the sum is modest for a player of his potential impact. The club has been preparing for his exit and already have potential replacements on their radar.” The move represents a significant step in Spence’s career, offering him the chance to become a regular starter in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Inter will look to integrate him quickly, hoping his energy and defensive acumen will bolster their right‑flank, while Spence will aim to cement his place and perhaps rekindle his form that shone on the world stage. The transfer also underscores Tottenham’s willingness to capitalise on a player who, despite limited playing time, has retained considerable market value.
As both clubs move forward, the deal highlights the fluid nature of modern football transfers, where performance, potential and strategic fit intertwine to shape player pathways. (Word count: 617)