Inter Milan have reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur to acquire England international defender Djed Spence for a reported fee of around £30 million. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the deal also incorporates a 10 percent sell‑on clause, meaning that Tottenham will receive a share of any future transfer fee should Inter decide to sell Spence later on. The transfer process moved forward after Spence was granted permission by Tottenham to travel to Italy for a medical examination, signalling that both clubs were nearing a final accord. The medical was completed without incident, and the clubs have now confirmed that the total package, including any performance‑related add‑ons, totals roughly £30 million.
Spence arrived on the world stage during England’s impressive run to a third‑place finish at the most recent World Cup, where his energetic displays on the right flank earned him widespread praise. Despite his rising profile, his prospects at Tottenham appeared limited for the upcoming Premier League season. The Spurs’ right‑back slot is currently occupied by Pedro Porro, who has cemented himself as the first‑choice option. On the left side, the club boasts a deep pool of talent, with Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, James Souza, and Ben Davies all capable of covering the position.
This depth meant that Spence would likely have faced stiff competition for regular playing time. Inter, on the other hand, have been actively seeking a dynamic right‑wing‑back to bolster their squad.
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 Milanese club view Spence’s blend of defensive solidity, pace, and attacking instinct as a perfect fit for the wing‑back role in Antonio Conte’s system, which often requires full‑backs to contribute heavily to both phases of play. Spence’s contract situation also facilitated the move. He still had three years remaining on his Tottenham deal, with an additional one‑year extension option at the club’s discretion.
However, the defender expressed a strong desire to leave, having enjoyed a productive six‑month loan spell with Genoa earlier in the year, where he adapted quickly to Italian football and impressed with his work‑rate and versatility. Tottenham originally secured Spence’s services from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for an initial fee of about £12.5 million, with potential add‑ons that could have taken the total to £20 million. The new £30 million fee therefore represents a significant profit for the North London club, more than doubling their original outlay. Tottenham’s chief executive Daniel Levy, who oversaw the initial signing, will likely view the transaction as a successful piece of business, especially given the inclusion of the sell‑on clause which could yield additional revenue down the line.
Speaking about the transfer, Sky Sports News analyst Mark McAdam highlighted the mixed emotions that Spurs supporters might experience. "Fans will recall the flashes of brilliance Spence showed, especially during the World Cup," he said.
"They may feel a sense of frustration that a player they helped develop is leaving, but they also recognise that the club is receiving a substantial return on their investment – more than twice what they originally paid." McAdam also noted that the club appears to have prepared for Spence’s departure. "Spurs have been proactive in scouting potential replacements and have several candidates in the pipeline," he added. "This suggests that the management has anticipated the need to refresh the right‑back position and is ready to move quickly to fill the gap." The transfer is expected to be finalized in the coming days, pending the completion of standard paperwork and the issuance of an international clearance certificate. Once the move is official, Spence will join a squad that includes seasoned internationals such as Lautaro Martínez, Romelu Lukaku, and a host of talented young prospects.
Under Conte’s leadership, Inter will aim to reinforce their defensive line while maintaining an attacking edge, and Spence’s arrival could provide the balance they seek. For Tottenham, the departure of Spence opens up a roster spot and a potential wage‑budget saving, allowing them to reinvest in other areas of the squad during the upcoming transfer window.
The club’s scouting network is already rumored to be monitoring several promising full‑backs across Europe, ensuring that they remain competitive despite the loss. Overall, the £30 million deal underscores the growing reputation of English full‑backs in the European market and highlights Inter Milan’s determination to secure top‑class talent to challenge for domestic and continental honors.
The inclusion of a sell‑on clause also reflects a modern approach to transfer negotiations, ensuring that both clubs stand to benefit from any future developments in Spence’s career. As the summer transfer window draws to a close, both clubs will look to capitalize on this move – Inter by strengthening a key position ahead of a demanding season, and Tottenham by turning a promising young player into a profitable asset while continuing their search for the next generation of talent.