Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence has been offered to Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.
- The 25-year-old is seeking regular first-team football following a standout performance for England at the 2026 World Cup.
- Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly open to a sale to generate funds for an ongoing squad overhaul.
- Spence’s current role under the Italian head coach remains uncertain, prompting his representatives to explore external options.
- No formal bids have been confirmed, though interest from top-six clubs is expected as the transfer window enters its final stages.
Tottenham (North London News) August 10, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur have initiated discussions regarding the potential sale of Djed Spence, with the England international offered to both Liverpool and Manchester United as the club seeks to reshape its defensive options. The 25-year-old, who bolstered his reputation significantly during the 2026 World Cup, is pushing for a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to ensure consistent starting opportunities.
Why has Djed Spence been offered to rival clubs?
The decision to circulate Spence’s availability follows a period of tactical transition under Roberto De Zerbi. Despite his impressive showings on the international stage, Spence has found his pathway to the starting XI in North London increasingly blocked.
According to transfer specialist Ben Jacobs, the player’s representatives have been proactive in testing the market, identifying Liverpool and Manchester United as primary destinations where the full-back could potentially slot into existing tactical systems.
Spence, who joined Tottenham with significant promise, has struggled to cement himself as an undisputed starter under the current regime.
Sources close to the club indicate that while the coaching staff appreciates his athleticism and technical growth, there are differing opinions regarding his suitability for the specific inverted-role requirements demanded by De Zerbi.
Consequently, the club has signaled a willingness to listen to offers, provided they meet their valuation of the player.
How are Liverpool and Manchester United viewing the situation?
Both clubs are reportedly conducting internal assessments of the deal. Liverpool, currently managed by Arne Slot, have been monitoring the market for versatile defensive reinforcements to provide competition for their established full-backs.
The Anfield recruitment team views Spence as a player with Premier League experience and the physical profile necessary to thrive in a high-pressing system.
Conversely, Manchester United’s interest is framed by their ongoing objective to rejuvenate their defensive line. Under their current management, the club has prioritised younger, homegrown talent to balance their squad depth.
While a move for a Spurs player is historically sensitive, the financial pragmatism of the current market suggests that United could be open to a formal approach if their primary targets prove unattainable or prohibitively expensive.
Neither club has yet submitted a structured bid, but the formal offer from Tottenham’s side has provided both teams with a viable alternative in the final weeks of the window.
What is the stance of Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham Hotspur?
For Roberto De Zerbi, the departure of Spence would represent a strategic move to unlock capital for further recruitment. The manager has made no secret of his desire to conduct a comprehensive rebuild of the squad to better reflect his philosophy.
By offloading assets who are not central to his immediate plans, Tottenham aims to balance their books and comply with evolving financial sustainability regulations.
The club’s hierarchy is reportedly eager to avoid a scenario where a high-value asset sees their market price depreciate due to a lack of competitive minutes.
With Spence having entered the prime years of his career, the current transfer window is viewed as the optimal time to secure a significant return on investment.
The player, for his part, is understood to be motivated by the need to maintain his place in the England national squad, a goal he recognises as difficult to achieve from the bench at club level.
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Background of the development
Djed Spence’s career trajectory has been defined by rapid ascents and tactical adjustments. Initially emerging as an exciting prospect in the EFL Championship, he earned a high-profile move to Tottenham Hotspur following a stellar promotion campaign.
However, his tenure in North London has been marked by sporadic loan spells and managerial turnover, which hindered his ability to find a settled position.
The turning point for the defender occurred during the 2026 World Cup. Tasked with covering defensive duties for England, Spence delivered a series of disciplined performances that caught the attention of scouts across Europe.
His ability to transition from defensive solidity to attacking contributions marked him as one of the standout full-backs of the tournament.
Upon returning to domestic duty, the disparity between his international standing and his club situation became increasingly apparent, leading to the current standoff between the player’s camp and Tottenham’s management.
Prediction: How will this affect the clubs and the player?
The potential transfer of Djed Spence is likely to act as a catalyst for movement within the Premier League’s top-six defensive markets.
If either Liverpool or Manchester United proceeds with a deal, it will likely trigger a secondary chain of departures at the purchasing club, as they look to clear space in their registered squads.
For Tottenham Hotspur, the funds generated will be pivotal in dictating their final activity in the market. Should they successfully offload Spence, they are expected to pivot toward signing a younger, more specialized replacement who fits the specific tactical profile preferred by De Zerbi.
For the player, the move carries significant risk and reward. Securing a move to a club like Liverpool or Manchester United offers the prospect of Champions League football and higher visibility; however, it also invites intense competition for places.
If Spence fails to secure guaranteed football at his next destination, his trajectory within the England setup may suffer. Conversely, a successful transition could see him cement his status as one of the premier defenders in English football, validating the tactical gamble taken by his representatives this summer.
