Inter Milan have reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur to acquire England full‑back Djed Spence for a reported fee of around £30 million. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the deal also contains a 10 percent sell‑on clause, meaning Tottenham will receive a share of any future transfer fee if Inter later sell the player. The transaction has been in the works for several weeks, and after a medical in Italy the two clubs confirmed the final terms, bringing the negotiations to a close.
Spence, who impressed on the world stage during England's run to a third‑place finish at the recent World Cup, has found his prospects at Tottenham increasingly limited. The London side already have a clear hierarchy at right‑back, with Pedro Porro firmly entrenched as the first‑choice option. On the left flank, a crowded competition includes Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, James Souza and Ben Davies, all of whom can also operate as wing‑backs.
Consequently, the coaching staff and the player himself have concluded that a move abroad would be the best way to secure regular first‑team football. Inter, meanwhile, have been actively searching for a dynamic right‑wing‑back to complement their attacking system. Their pursuit of French winger Moussa Diaby from Al Ittihad stalled, prompting the club to turn its attention to Spence, whose blend of pace, defensive solidity and offensive thrust fits the Serie A side's tactical profile. The Italian club sees Spence as a long‑term investment, not only to fill an immediate positional need but also to develop a player who can grow under manager Simone Inzaghi's guidance.
The English defender entered the transfer market with three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, plus an optional extra year. Despite the length of his deal, Spence expressed a strong desire to leave, citing the positive experience he enjoyed during a six‑month loan spell at Genoa earlier this year. While on loan in Italy, he adapted quickly to the Serie A style of play, gaining valuable experience that has undoubtedly made the prospect of a permanent move to Inter more appealing.
Spence originally joined Tottenham from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for a fee that could rise to £20 million, with a base amount of £12.5 million paid upfront. His arrival was heralded as a significant signing for the North London club, and his performances have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly during the World Cup where he demonstrated composure and attacking flair on the international stage. However, consistency at the club level has been harder to achieve, partly due to the depth of talent in the full‑back positions.
Mark McAdam of Sky Sports highlighted the mixed emotions among Spurs supporters regarding the deal. On one hand, fans recall the moments of excellence Spence displayed for England and recognize that the £30 million fee represents more than double the amount Tottenham originally invested.
On the other hand, some may argue that the sum is modest for a player of his potential, especially considering the market inflation for English internationals. McAdam also noted that Tottenham have been preparing for this eventuality, already scouting potential replacements to ensure squad depth remains intact.
From a financial perspective, the transaction benefits both clubs. Tottenham recoup a substantial profit on a player they signed only two years ago, allowing them to reinvest the proceeds into other areas of the squad or into their academy. Inter, for their part, secure a young, English‑qualified talent who can contribute immediately while also possessing resale value for the future. The inclusion of the 10 percent sell‑on clause further aligns the interests of both parties, ensuring that Tottenham will benefit from any subsequent transfer that commands a higher fee.
Looking ahead, Spence is expected to integrate into Inter's first‑team training sessions within days, with the club planning to introduce him gradually into Serie A matches. The Italian side will likely deploy him as a right‑wing‑back in a 3‑5‑2 or 3‑4‑3 formation, tasks that suit his ability to cover the entire flank, deliver accurate crosses, and support the attack while maintaining defensive responsibilities. His prior experience in Italy with Genoa should ease his adaptation to the tactical demands of Serie A, which emphasizes positional awareness and disciplined defending.
For Tottenham, the departure of Spence opens up a roster spot and a modest wage bill, providing the club with flexibility as they navigate the upcoming transfer window. The coaching staff will have the opportunity to promote younger academy players or to explore the market for a new signing who can challenge for the right‑back role. The strategic planning demonstrated by the club—securing a profitable exit while already having replacement options in the pipeline—reflects a pragmatic approach to squad management under the stewardship of Daniel Levy.
In summary, the £30 million deal marks a significant chapter for both Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur. Inter acquire a promising English full‑back who can immediately bolster their defensive line and contribute to their attacking play, while Tottenham reap a sizable financial return and clear the way for fresh talent to emerge. The inclusion of a sell‑on clause ensures that both clubs remain invested in Spence's future success, and fans of both sides will be watching closely to see how the young defender adapts to his new environment and whether he can fulfill the potential that has been evident on the international stage.