Djed Spence could be on his way out of Tottenham Hotspur after Internazionale indicated they are prepared to pay about €30m (£25.6m) for the England full-back.
With Denzel Dumfries having moved from Inter to Real Madrid, Spence could move directly into the Serie A club’s starting XI. The 26-year-old has not rejected the Nerazzurri’s interest and may see a move to San Siro as an opportunity to revive his club career and strengthen his position in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Spence returned from the World Cup disappointed, having been on the receiving end of demands from Tuchel during the tournament. He responded impressively while representing the Three Lions in the USA, producing a series of outstanding performances.
Like his fellow England players, though, Spence must now put that disappointment to one side and focus on the 2026/27 campaign. The immediate uncertainty concerns where that season will begin.
Tottenham have undergone significant change during Spence’s absence, with Roberto De Zerbi reshaping the squad. Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson and Martin Dubravka have arrived, while Joao Palhinha, Randal Kolo Muani, Manor Solomon, Yves Bissouma, Radu Dragusin, Alfie Devine, Alejo Veliz, Will Lankshear and Luka Vuskovic have left.
There may be further movement, with question marks surrounding Richarlison and Lucas Bergvall. Spence could now become another departure, particularly with Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro expected to be Tottenham’s first-choice full-backs and Robertson viewed as the next option.
The numbers from last season suggest Inter would be acquiring a dependable player. Spence made 43 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham in 2025/26, one fewer than Palhinha and Micky van de Ven and two behind Porro, who led the club with 46 appearances.
His defensive statistics were especially strong. Among players who made at least 50 tackles during the campaign, Spence had the best success rate, winning 37 of his 57 challenges for a return of 64.91%.
He also blocked 16 crosses, a total exceeded by only Porro among Tottenham players, and regained possession 150 times. His willingness to compete across the pitch was reflected by the 365 ground one-on-ones he contested. Only Richarlison and Palhinha, with 413 and 406 respectively, were involved in more.
Spence was one of only nine players to attempt more than 1,000 passes in 2025/26. His completion rate of 81.59% placed him among Tottenham’s better performers in that area and underlined the reliability that could appeal to Inter.
However, his attacking output will need to improve. Inter expect their full-backs to cover ground aggressively and contribute to their attacking play. Spence showed that energy and ambition with England, but those qualities were largely absent from his club performances last season.
He did not score, produce a fast break or create a chance, while his 16 attempts at goal offered little evidence of the marauding style Inter would want from a starting wing-back.
A move could nevertheless give Spence renewed motivation. With a point to prove, he will hope to rediscover the commitment and exuberance that have previously been among his most notable qualities. That attitude provides a strong foundation, even if aspects of his game still require refinement.
Cristian Chivu can work on those areas alongside Spence’s natural ability, particularly given the player’s enthusiasm for learning and willingness to give everything in training and matches.
Time is limited, with only a week and a half remaining before the start of both Serie A and the Premier League. Tottenham, Inter and Spence therefore have a shared interest in reaching an agreement quickly.
For the player, the move would offer more than regular club football. A successful spell in Italy could enhance his England credentials and help him remain an established part of the international set-up under Tuchel.
