Can Djed Spence Flourish Under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham? (North London 2026)

Key Points

• Managerial Stance: Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has publicly expressed his desire to keep 25-year-old defender Djed Spence at the club despite mounting transfer interest from Inter Milan and Everton.
• International Breakthrough: Spence elevated his profile significantly during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, operating as a versatile full-back under England manager Thomas Tuchel.
• World Cup Campaign: Spence played a critical role in England’s journey to the semi-finals, where the team suffered a 2–1 loss to Argentina, before securing a bronze medal with a 6–4 victory over France in the third-place play-off.
• Squad Competition: Spence faces fierce tactical competition at right-back from Spain’s World Cup-winning defender Pedro Porro, whom De Zerbi has described as the best in the world in that role.
• Substantial Rebuild: Tottenham Hotspur have undertaken a massive summer squad overhaul, spending a record £237 million on additions such as Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali following a challenging domestic campaign.

Tottenham (North London News) August 1, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed his intention to retain versatile defender Djed Spence ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, following the 25-year-old’s standout performances for England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Spence, whose selection in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man tournament squad was initially questioned by analysts, silenced critics by establishing himself as a key contributor during the Three Lions’ run to a bronze medal finish. However, with reported transfer interest from Serie A club Inter Milan and Premier League rivals Everton, combined with a £237 million summer spending spree by Spurs, Spence’s long-term position in North London remains a subject of intense debate.

What Are Roberto De Zerbi’s Intentions Regarding Djed Spence’s Future at Tottenham Hotspur?

Addressing the ongoing speculation surrounding the defender’s future, Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi publicly detailed his conversation with Spence regarding his role in the squad. As reported by Nizaar Kinsella of The Evening Standard, De Zerbi affirmed that while he values the player’s tactical versatility and work ethic, he will not force any player to remain against their wishes.

De Zerbi stated:

“I repeat what I said to Djed, and to Lucas [Bergvall]. I would like you to stay if you want to stay. If you don’t want to stay, if you want to leave, then you have to leave.”

Despite the arrivals of high-profile signings during a club-record £237 million transfer window—including midfielder Sandro Tonali and Portuguese talent Mateus Fernandes—De Zerbi emphasized that Spence remains an integral part of his tactical framework for the 2026–27 campaign if he decides to commit his future to the club.

How Did Djed Spence Perform for Thomas Tuchel’s England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Spence’s stock rose considerably during the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Initially considered a fringe selection when Thomas Tuchel announced his squad, the former Middlesbrough player adapted to play at both right-back and left-back during the tournament.

As documented by The Guardian sports reporting staff, Spence delivered a series of defensive performances throughout the tournament. In the semi-final against Argentina, Spence was tasked with operating at left-back to counter the creative movement of Lionel Messi and Giuliano Simeone. During that fixture, Spence executed a vital goal-saving slide tackle on Simeone to preserve England’s temporary momentum, celebrating the defensive effort with noticeable intensity.

Spence played through physical adversity during the tournament. Having sustained a fractured jaw in May following an elbow incident during a Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, Spence wore a custom-made protective mask during early group stage fixtures against Ghana, Panama, and DR Congo. As reported by Bolavip, Spence chose to remove the protective mask for the semi-final against Argentina after medical staff confirmed the bone had sufficiently healed.

Although England suffered a 2–1 defeat to eventual runners-up Argentina in the semi-finals, Spence featured again in the third-place match, where England defeated France 6–4 in a high-scoring encounter at MetLife Stadium to claim the bronze medal.

What Transfer Interest Surrounds Djed Spence Amid Tottenham’s £237m Summer Overhaul?

Spence, who committed to a long-term contract extension with Tottenham Hotspur last year, has attracted formal interest from abroad and within domestic football. According to reports published by Sportingpedia, both Italian giants Inter Milan and Merseyside club Everton have monitored Spence’s situation closely as they seek full-back reinforcements ahead of the new season.

The interest comes following a period of massive upheaval at Tottenham Hotspur. The North London club engaged in an extensive summer overhaul following a difficult Premier League campaign where Spurs narrowly secured their top-flight status on the final matchday. In response, Tottenham’s executive board sanctioned a £237 million investment program to restructure the playing staff under De Zerbi.

With Tottenham continuing to pursue additional attacking options prior to the transfer deadline, club officials are assessing roster space and financial fair play constraints. While De Zerbi prefers to retain Spence to ensure defensive depth across multiple competitions, the player’s desire for guaranteed starting minutes remains a pivotal factor in ongoing discussions.

What Role Does Pedro Porro Play in Djed Spence’s Selection Dilemma?

The primary tactical barrier to Spence securing a permanent starting position on the right side of Tottenham’s defence is Spanish international Pedro Porro. Porro played a central role in Spain’s victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further cementing his reputation as one of the premier right-backs in world football.

In assessments carried out by the coaching staff, De Zerbi openly acknowledged the challenge Spence faces in displacing Porro, publicly referring to the Spanish full-back as “the best in the world” in his designated position.

This dynamic has forced Spence to showcase his adaptability. Under both Tuchel for England and De Zerbi during pre-season preparation, Spence has demonstrated an ability to invert into central midfield positions and operate effectively on the left flank. His speed, physical recovery, and 1v1 defensive capability make him a useful asset for De Zerbi’s high-pressing, possession-oriented system, even if primary right-back minutes remain limited by Porro’s presence.

Background

Djed Spence initially joined Tottenham Hotspur in July 2022 following a promotional campaign with Nottingham Forest, where his performances on loan from Middlesbrough earned him a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season. However, his initial transition to Premier League football was marked by limited first-team opportunities under previous managerial regimes, leading to subsequent loan spells at Rennes, Leeds United, and Genoa to gain competitive top-flight exposure.

Upon returning to Tottenham, Spence worked systematically to adjust his defensive positioning and tactical discipline. His resurgence during the 2025–26 season earned him a contract extension at the club, culminating in his first senior call-ups to the England national team under Thomas Tuchel. Spence’s performance in North America during the summer of 2026 represented his first full international tournament appearance, raising his profile on the European transfer market.

Prediction

Impact on Tottenham Hotspur and the Playing Squad

If Djed Spence chooses to remain at Tottenham Hotspur under Roberto De Zerbi, his presence will provide crucial squad depth as Spurs navigate an expanded domestic and European fixture list following their summer overhaul. His ability to cover both full-back positions allows De Zerbi tactical flexibility, ensuring that fatigue or injuries to Pedro Porro or left-back options do not compromise the team’s defensive structure. Conversely, should Spence elect to transfer to Inter Milan or Everton in search of guaranteed starting minutes, Tottenham will be required to re-enter the transfer market to secure a qualified replacement, potentially altering their remaining transfer budget and tactical rotation plans ahead of the opening fixture of the Premier League season.