Inter Milan have finalized a £30 million agreement to bring England international defender Djed Spence to the San Siro. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the deal also contains a 10 percent sell‑on clause that will benefit Tottenham should Inter later move the player on for a higher fee. The 23‑year‑old full‑back was granted permission to travel to Italy for a medical examination while talks between the two clubs were still ongoing.
After the examinations and final negotiations, both parties confirmed a total package worth £30 million, signalling the end of the protracted transfer saga. Spence arrived on the world stage during England's impressive run to a third‑place finish at the 2022 World Cup, where his energetic runs down the flank and solid defensive work drew widespread praise. Despite his rising profile, his future at Tottenham was looking increasingly uncertain. The London club already have a clear hierarchy at right‑back, with Pedro Porro firmly established as the first‑choice option.
On the left side, the likes of Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Tom Souza and Ben Davies are all capable of covering the position, meaning Spence would likely have struggled for regular minutes in the upcoming Premier League campaign. Inter, on the other hand, have been actively seeking a dynamic right wing‑back to add pace and creativity to their back line.
Their pursuit of French winger Moussa Diaby from Al Ittihad fell through, prompting the Italian side to turn their attention to Spence, whose blend of defensive solidity and attacking thrust fits the tactical demands of Antonio Conte's system. The club believes that Spence can provide the width and energy required to stretch opposition defenses while also offering reliability in one‑on‑one situations. Spence still has three years remaining on his contract with Tottenham, with an additional year‑option that could have extended his stay further. However, the defender has expressed a strong desire to move on, citing the positive experience he enjoyed during a six‑month loan spell with Genoa in early 2024.
That stint in Serie A allowed him to adapt to the Italian style of play and demonstrated his ability to thrive in a new environment. 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 paid an initial £12.5 million, a figure that was negotiated by chief executive Daniel Levy.
The new £30 million transfer fee represents more than double the amount Tottenham initially invested, providing a substantial financial return for the North London outfit. Speaking about the transfer, Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam highlighted the mixed emotions that Tottenham supporters are likely to feel. "Fans will recall the flashes of brilliance Spence displayed for England at the World Cup and will recognise the potential he showed at Spurs," McAdam said. "At the same time, many will be frustrated that a player they paid £12.5 million for is leaving, even if the club is recouping more than twice that amount." McAdam added that the financial aspect, while significant, may not be the only consideration for the fans.
"It doesn’t feel like a huge sum for a player who could become a key figure for the team," he noted. "Nevertheless, Spurs have been preparing for this scenario and already have potential replacements lined up, ensuring the squad remains competitive. The move also aligns with Inter's broader recruitment strategy, which aims to blend experienced internationals with promising young talent. By securing Spence, Inter not only fill a positional need but also add a player who has already proven his mettle on the international stage.
The inclusion of a 10 percent sell‑on clause indicates that Tottenham anticipate Spence's market value could continue to rise, potentially delivering further financial benefits if the defender excels in Serie A and attracts interest from other top clubs in the future. In summary, the £30 million deal marks a significant chapter for both clubs.
Tottenham receive a sizable profit on a player they signed just two years ago, while Inter acquire a versatile right wing‑back capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. As Spence prepares to embark on his next professional adventure in Italy, fans of both sides will be watching closely to see how his talent translates to the demands of the Serie A competition.