Djed Spence’s impressive World Cup performances won plenty of praise from Tottenham supporters. The 26-year-old showcased his ability to carry the ball forward, burst into space during transitions and use his pace effectively in defensive one-on-one situations. As a result, Tottenham’s decision to approve his £30 million move understandably surprised some fans.
The Attacking Full-Back Question
While Spence possesses excellent physical attributes, his attacking output has not always lived up to his “electric” reputation. He averaged only 0.4 chances created per 90 minutes and completed 19.6% of his crosses, both below the Premier League average for full-backs. He also ended the 2025/26 season without a goal contribution.
Although he frequently gets into dangerous areas, his final ball and decision-making can let him down. His tendency to surrender possession could also be an issue in Roberto De Zerbi’s system. Spence was dispossessed 29 times last season, a figure higher than that of 84% of Premier League full-backs.
For a manager who wants his team to remain comfortable under pressure and build through difficult situations, that weakness could prove costly. With Pedro Porro already well suited to the right-back role, moving Spence on gives Spurs room to recruit a more dependable backup.
Why Inter Could Be the Right Move
Spence’s strengths could potentially be better utilised in a more specialised role. A move to Serie A and Inter could provide him with the tactical structure needed to maximise his pace and athleticism, while also allowing him to operate as the right-sided defender in a back three.
Inter have experience developing players capable of switching between defensive roles. Carlos Augusto, for instance, has featured both as a full-back and centre-back, highlighting the versatility demanded by the Italian club’s system.
Was ÂŁ30 Million Enough?
Some may consider ÂŁ30 million a bargain for Spence, but Tottenham were not in the strongest negotiating position. With relatively limited competition for his signature, Spurs may have struggled to push the price much higher.
Selling while his market value was still healthy therefore made financial sense. Tottenham are also set to make a significant profit on the ÂŁ12.5 million they initially paid for him in 2022.
De Zerbi had already made his stance clear earlier in the summer: players who are unhappy or unwilling to fully commit to the club should be allowed to leave. After his strong performances for England, Spence may understandably have been reluctant to remain behind Porro, Destiny Udogie and Andrew Robertson in the pecking order, particularly with European football unavailable.
Another Sign of Tottenham’s New Era
Spence’s departure could be another indication of the different mentality taking shape at Tottenham under De Zerbi.
Spurs have previously been criticised for keeping players who wanted to move on. De Zerbi, however, expects total commitment from his squad, and the club now appears more willing to make difficult decisions to support his philosophy.
Unlike previous managers who largely had to work with inherited squads, De Zerbi appears to have much greater influence over recruitment and departures. That gives him the opportunity to shape the team around his tactical ideas.
Spence remains a talented player with plenty to offer, but Tottenham’s ambitions have evolved. With limited squad spaces and major investment in established players—including £185 million spent on midfielders this summer—some difficult exits were always likely.
For Spurs fans, seeing Spence leave after two solid seasons may be frustrating. However, the decision reflects a bigger objective: Tottenham are no longer focused simply on building a larger squad, but on creating a stronger and more balanced one.
In that sense, the £30 million sale of Spence could ultimately prove to be less of a risk and more of a calculated move towards De Zerbi’s long-term vision.
