Djed Spence: Untouchable Squad Piece or Sellable Asset?
Written By Ryan Walton https://x.com/ryantalks_footy?s=20
In recent years at Tottenham Hotspur, few players have experienced as rocky a journey as Djed Spence. Spence, 25, has enjoyed a stellar breakout World Cup campaign with England, featuring in all seven of the Three Lions’ fixtures. It comes as a surprise to nobody that Spence’s impressive displays have attracted interest from several clubs, with Inter Milan, in recent days, proving to be the frontrunners for the Englishman.
The speculation around Spence’s future has sparked discussion among the Spurs community. While some are committed to keeping Spence at the club this summer, others believe now would be a good opportunity to cash in on a player whose stock has never been higher, something that the Tottenham hierarchy have consistently failed to capitalise on during their tenure.
Reports suggest head coach Roberto De Zerbi would be willing to part ways with the full-back this summer, but the question remains: why are Spurs keen to move on from Spence when he is seemingly entering his prime years?
Djed Spence’s turbulent Tottenham journey:
Signed under Antonio Conte in the summer of 2022 for a reported £20m, Djed Spence arrived from Middlesbrough following a hugely successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest, where he played a crucial part in a promotion-winning season. Despite the expectation put on Spence’s arrival, it was clear Conte was not his biggest fan, which was made evident when he described him as a “club signing”, and not someone immediately in the Italian’s plans.
This led to a number of loan moves for Spence, such as Rennes, Leeds United and finally Genoa, who, in the summer of 2024, opted not to trigger the £8.5m permanent clause in his deal, leaving him once again in limbo at Tottenham.
Everything pointed towards Djed Spence ultimately failing to reach his potential, with multiple reports indicating that Spence had displayed poor attitude in training, as well as Leeds manager Daniel Farke publicly criticising him after allegedly being late to team meetings.
Despite all odds being against a comeback, Ange Postecoglou would turn to Spence during the midst of Tottenham’s desperate injury crisis in the 2024/25 season. Spence would make his first Premier League appearance for the Australian in a 0-5 away win at Southampton in December, in which he registered an assist and was widely praised for his performance. Following on from this, Spence would become a mainstay in Postecoglou’s struggling Spurs side, before helping the club capture the Europa League in a 1-0 win over Manchester United in May 2025.
How Spence works (and doesn’t) for Spurs today:
A versatile full-back equally capable on either side, Djed Spence has proven himself as one of the best 1v1 fullbacks in the Premier League. Spence has the pace to match any opponent, as well as the physicality and confidence to be able to go up against any winger he faces. Having now won 13 caps for England, it’s evident that Spence offers some key attributes that other players in his position aren’t able to.
Despite Spence’s strengthes, from Roberto De Zerbi’s perspective, it is easy to understand what might be swaying the Italian into selling him this summer. Compared to Tottenham’s first choice right back option, Pedro Porro, Spence is not nearly as comfortable at inverting into midfield areas in possession, often preferring to provide width as an overlapping fullback. Adding to that, Porro possesses an elite passing range that is key to unlocking lower defensive lines, something that Spence simply doesn’t have in his locker. Although Spence definitely offers things Porro doesn’t, De Zerbi seems to prefer a player like the Spaniard for his style of play.
Spence’s profile mismatch may explain why Tottenham had reportedly made an initial enquiry for Nottingham Forest’ Neco Williams, someone who is stylistically much more similar to Porro and, by extension, a more typical De Zerbi fullback. However, it seems Williams will be signing a new contract with Forest according to The Telegraph’s John Percy, so Spurs are unlikely to pursue that deal any further.
Conclusion - Should Spurs sell Spence this summer?
When assessing Djed Spence’s future at Tottenham this summer, in my opinion, Spence should not be for sale under any circumstances. His performances for England at this year’s World Cup clearly demonstrate his ability, and considering he is someone entering the peak years of his career, I believe Spurs fans have yet to see the best of Spence in N17.
Another huge factor is Spence’s versatility, being able to fill in at left and right back. With Destiny Udogie’s troubled injury history, and question marks around incoming Scotsman Andy Robertson’s capabilities at 32, having Spence as a proven option at left back would only be a positive. Additionally, I don’t believe Spurs will be able to find as strong a deputy to Pedro Porro as the English defender.
Despite Neco Williams possibly being a better fit for De Zerbi’s style of play, Spence provides Spurs with crucial tactical flexibility that allows us to be effective in different game scenarios. His different profile to our other fullback options gives us more dimensions as a team against different oppositions.
Djed Spence is a must keep for Tottenham this summer.
