Inter Milan have sealed a £30 million transfer for England international defender 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, meaning Tottenham will receive a share of any future transfer fee if Inter later decide to sell the player. The full‑back was granted permission to travel to Italy on Friday for a medical examination while the two clubs hammered out the final terms.
That medical cleared the way for a total package worth £30 million to be agreed, effectively ending months of speculation surrounding his future. Spence was a standout performer for England during the nation’s third‑place finish at the summer World Cup, yet his prospects at Tottenham appeared increasingly limited.
The Spurs hierarchy have already identified Pedro Porro as the preferred right‑back, while the left‑side sees a crowded competition among Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Sou‑Sou Souza and Ben Davies, all of whom can operate as wing‑backs. Consequently, Spence’s chances of regular first‑team football at the London club were set to diminish in the upcoming season. Inter, on the other hand, have been actively searching for a fresh option at right wing‑back.
Their pursuit of French winger Moussa Diaby from Al Ittihad fell through, prompting the Italian side to turn their attention to Spence as a viable alternative. The Italian club sees the English defender’s pace, crossing ability and defensive work‑rate as an ideal fit for the demanding wing‑back role in Antonio Conte’s system. Spence entered the deal with three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, plus an optional fourth year. His desire for a move was heightened after a successful six‑month loan spell with Genoa in Serie A, which began in January 2024 and gave him valuable experience of Italian football.
That stint not only helped him adapt to the tactical nuances of the Serie A game but also showcased his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, qualities that attracted Inter’s interest. Tottenham originally signed Spence from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for a fee that could rise to £20 million, depending on performance-related add‑ons. The defender’s rise from the Championship to the Premier League and then to the international stage has been rapid, and his transfer now represents a significant profit for the North London club.
In a heartfelt farewell post on X, Spence reflected on his time at Tottenham, writing: "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 mention of Bilbao refers to his memorable performance in the Europa League semi‑final, where his defensive heroics helped Tottenham progress.
Sky Sports News analyst Mark McAdam commented on the transfer, noting that Spurs supporters have witnessed flashes of Spence’s brilliance, particularly during the World Cup. "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," McAdam said. He added that while the fee might seem modest for a player of Spence’s potential, Tottenham have already begun planning for his departure, with several internal options poised to step up. The move is expected to benefit all parties involved.
Inter gain a dynamic, English‑qualified wing‑back who can immediately slot into their starting XI, while Spence secures the regular playing time he needs to continue his development and maintain his place in the England squad. Tottenham, meanwhile, cash in on a player they nurtured from a teenager into an international, freeing up wages and allowing them to reinvest in other areas of the squad.
Beyond the immediate footballing implications, the transfer highlights a broader trend of Premier League talents moving to Serie A, attracted by the league’s tactical sophistication and the opportunity to play in European competitions. For Spence, the challenge of adapting to a new country, language, and style of play will be balanced by the chance to work under a manager who values attacking full‑backs and to compete regularly in the Champions League or Europa League. Overall, Djed Spence’s £30 million switch from Tottenham to Inter Milan marks a significant chapter in his career, offering him a platform to showcase his abilities on a larger stage while providing Tottenham with a healthy return on their investment. The inclusion of a sell‑on clause ensures that both clubs retain a stake in his future success, underscoring the strategic nature of modern football transfers.