Key Points
- Djed Spence has reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with Inter Milan, signaling his intent to depart Tottenham Hotspur.
- The Serie A champions have submitted a formal opening bid to Tottenham to initiate negotiations for the full-back’s transfer.
- Spence, who has struggled for consistent game time under Ange Postecoglou, is viewed by Inter as an ideal candidate to bolster their wing-back options.
- Tottenham are currently evaluating the proposal as they look to streamline their squad ahead of the remainder of the season.
- The move follows a period of uncertainty regarding the defender’s long-term future in north London, despite occasional cameos in the first team.
Tottenham Hotspur (North London News) August 12, 2026 — Djed Spence is moving closer to a departure from Tottenham Hotspur after agreeing to personal terms with Inter Milan, with the Italian club now escalating their interest by launching a formal transfer bid for the England youth international.Djed Spence’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur has been defined by inconsistency and a struggle to cement a place in the starting XI. Since arriving from Middlesbrough in 2022, the 25-year-old has found himself peripheral to the club’s plans, undergoing multiple loan spells at clubs including Rennes, Leeds United, and Genoa. Despite returning to the Tottenham fold under manager Ange Postecoglou, competition for the full-back positions remains fierce, with Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro serving as the primary choices in their respective roles.
Internal reports suggest that Spence is eager for a fresh challenge where he can secure guaranteed minutes. With the Serie A title holders now actively pursuing his signature, the prospect of playing under Simone Inzaghi appears to be a significant draw for the defender.
Having already experienced Italian football during his stint at Genoa, the transition to Inter is viewed as a natural progression for his career trajectory rather than a gamble.
What are the details of Inter Milan’s formal bid?
Inter Milan have moved decisively to secure Spence, viewing him as a versatile addition to their tactical system. The Italian club’s hierarchy, led by director Giuseppe Marotta, has reportedly submitted an opening offer designed to test Tottenham’s valuation of the player.
While the exact financial figures remain undisclosed, industry insiders suggest the proposal includes a structured fee, potentially involving performance-related add-ons, to bridge the gap between the two clubs.
Tottenham’s stance remains one of cautious evaluation. While the club is keen to offload surplus players to balance their wage bill and comply with squad registration requirements, they are unwilling to let the defender leave for a nominal fee.
Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days as both parties work toward a compromise. Inter’s interest is driven by a need to provide competition for their existing wing-backs, a position that is central to their 3-5-2 formation.
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How have Tottenham Hotspur managed Djed Spence’s development?
Since his arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the club has taken a cautious approach to Spence’s integration. Under former manager Antonio Conte, Spence was largely overlooked, leading to his initial loan exit.
While Ange Postecoglou initially offered the defender a lifeline during pre-season tours and early-campaign rotations, it soon became clear that the Australian manager preferred players with a specific tactical profile that Spence has struggled to consistently demonstrate.
The club’s recruitment team has maintained that they remain open to offers for players deemed outside of the core project.
Spence, still at a developmental age, retains a high market value among European clubs, and Tottenham are seemingly content to allow him to pursue opportunities that facilitate his growth, provided their financial requirements are met.
Background of the development
Djed Spence joined Tottenham Hotspur in July 2022 in a deal worth an initial £12.5 million, with potential add-ons reaching up to £20 million, following a breakout season with Middlesbrough in the Championship. Expectations were high following his instrumental role in Nottingham Forest’s promotion campaign during the 2021/22 season, where he was widely regarded as one of the best young full-backs in the English second tier.
However, the change in management and tactical shifts at Tottenham prevented him from finding stability. His career in north London has been marked by a cycle of loans:
- 2023 (January): Loaned to Rennes, where he experienced Ligue 1 football but struggled with injury interruptions.
- 2023 (August): Joined Leeds United on a season-long loan, which was terminated prematurely in January 2024.
- 2024 (January): Moved to Genoa on loan, where he made 16 appearances, rediscovering his confidence in the Italian top flight and catching the eye of scouts from major Serie A clubs.
The current move to Inter Milan represents the culmination of that Italian exposure. By moving permanently, Spence seeks the stability that has eluded him since his departure from the Riverside Stadium four years ago.
Prediction: How will this affect the involved parties?
The potential transfer of Djed Spence to Inter Milan creates distinct outcomes for the various stakeholders involved:
For Djed Spence: A move to the San Siro offers the most significant career stability he has experienced since 2022. By joining a club that competes for the Scudetto and features in the UEFA Champions League, he will be tested against elite opposition.
If he succeeds, he could force his way back into the senior England international conversation—an ambition he has previously stated.
For Inter Milan: The acquisition provides tactical depth. Simone Inzaghi requires high-energy wing-backs to execute his system effectively.
If Spence adapts quickly to the discipline required in Serie A, he could become a starter or a primary rotation option, filling a void left by outgoing depth players.
For Tottenham Hotspur: The deal is primarily a “housekeeping” measure. Offloading a player who is clearly not part of the long-term first-team plans allows the club to reinvest capital into positions where they lack depth—specifically in central defence or attacking midfield. It also signals a continued commitment to refining the squad under Postecoglou’s specific requirements.
However, there is a minor risk: should Spence find his peak form in Italy, Tottenham may face scrutiny for letting a high-potential asset leave prematurely, much as they have with other young talents in the past decade.
