Tottenham have agreed a £30m deal to sell England right-back Djed Spence to Inter Milan, ending a transfer saga that underlines both the player’s rising value and Spurs’ need to reshape their defensive options.
How the move came together
Inter Milan and Tottenham finalised terms on Friday, with the Premier League club securing a £30m fee plus a 10 per cent sell-on clause. Spence was already in Italy for a medical as talks progressed, and the deal is now complete. The full-back arrived at Spurs from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for an initial £12.5m, so the club will more than double their outlay on the player.
Spence’s path to the exit was shaped by Spurs’ defensive depth. Pedro Porro has established himself as the first-choice right-back, while left-back options include Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Destiny Souza, and Ben Davies. With limited game time expected, the England international sought a fresh challenge and found it in Serie A, where he previously impressed during a six-month loan at Genoa in early 2024.
Why Inter needed Spence
Inter have been hunting for a right wing-back after failing to land Moussa Diaby from Al Ittihad. The move reflects a clear tactical need: a dynamic, attack-minded defender who can contribute both defensively and in build-up play. Spence’s World Cup performances for England this summer—where he starred as a third-place finishers—provided further evidence of his readiness for a high-pressure environment.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are already looking ahead. The club has “irons in the fire” for a replacement, according to Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam, suggesting they view this as an opportunity to refresh the squad rather than a setback. The sale also frees up funds in a summer where Spurs have been active in the market, including the recent departure of winger Solomon to West Ham.
What happens next
Spence’s move to Inter is a statement of intent from both player and club. For Inter, it’s a targeted upgrade at a key position; for Spence, it’s a chance to prove himself in a title-challenging side. Tottenham, meanwhile, will use the proceeds to address other areas, with reports suggesting they remain adamant Cristian Romero will not leave for Arsenal despite interest from north London rivals.
The timing is notable. With the transfer window still open, Spurs’ willingness to cash in on a player who arrived for £12.5m just two years ago reflects a pragmatic approach—one that prioritises squad balance over sentiment. For Inter, the signing is a calculated risk on a player whose stock has risen sharply in the past 12 months.
Spence’s departure leaves a gap on the right flank, but it also clears the way for Spurs to pursue alternatives. Whether they can find a replacement who meets the same standard remains to be seen, but the club’s willingness to act decisively suggests they believe they can.
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