The World Cup Transformed His Career Djed Spence Completes One of Serie A’s Biggest Summer Moves

Djed Spence has signed for Inter Milan, with Tottenham receiving approximately €35 million

Djed Spence is officially a new Inter Milan player. The English defender has left Tottenham and signed a contract with the Nerazzurri that runs until the summer of 2031.

The 26-year-old England international arrived in Milan overnight between August 13 and 14 after Tottenham gave him permission to travel to Italy for his medical. Negotiations were subsequently finalised, and Inter confirmed the transfer.

The overall package is estimated at £30 million, equivalent to approximately €35 million, including add-ons. Tottenham have also secured a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Inter Chose Spence to Replace Denzel Dumfries

Djed Spence was signed to fill the void left by Denzel Dumfries, who joined Real Madrid. The Italian champions were looking for an attack-minded right-back capable of supporting the forward line and covering the entire flank.

Inter turned their attention to the England international after failing to reach an agreement for Al-Ittihad’s Moussa Diaby. The Italian club believed Spence had the right profile for their system, as well as the experience required to settle in quickly.

The Nerazzurri’s new signing can play on either flank, both as a full-back and in a more advanced role. His pace, physical strength and work rate are among his main qualities.

Spence could make his debut on the opening weekend of the new Serie A season. Inter will host Monza at the San Siro on August 22, with kick-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The World Cup Revived His Career

Spence’s performances at the 2026 World Cup played an important role in convincing Inter to sign him. He featured in all eight of England’s matches at the tournament and started four of them.

England finished the competition in third place, while the defender’s displays attracted interest from several major clubs. His ability to operate on both flanks and fulfil several defensive roles weighed heavily in Inter’s decision.

Spence showed for England that he could compete against top-level opponents and contribute at both ends of the pitch. The tournament revived his career after a period in which he had struggled to secure a regular starting place at Tottenham.

Competition at Tottenham Limited His Prospects

Djed Spence still had three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, which also included an option for an additional season. However, his chances of playing regularly during the new campaign appeared limited.

Pedro Porro was the first-choice right-back, while Tottenham had several options on the opposite side. Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Souza and Ben Davies were among the players capable of operating at left-back.

The Englishman made 44 appearances for Tottenham last season without scoring. Although he featured regularly, competition for places and Inter’s offer convinced him to return to Serie A.

Tottenham also made a significant profit from the transfer. The London club signed him from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2022 for an initial £12.5 million, with add-ons potentially taking the fee to £20 million.

Spence Already Knows Italian Football

His previous experience with Genoa could make it easier for Spence to adapt to Serie A’s tactical demands. The defender spent six months on loan at Genoa between January and June 2024, making 16 appearances.

Spence was attracted by the prospect of returning to Italy, where he is expected to play an important role. Inter view him as their first-choice option on the right, although replacing Dumfries will be no easy task.

The former Netherlands international provided strength, speed and a constant presence around the opposition penalty area. Dumfries also contributed goals, using his ability to attack open spaces and move into scoring positions.

Spence has different characteristics, but he can help Inter maintain their aggressive approach in wide areas. He is quick with the ball at his feet, makes intelligent runs into space and can operate almost as a winger when Inter control possession.

His pace could also prove important in defensive transitions. The full-back can quickly recover ground after his team loses possession, while offensively he can exploit the space behind the opposition’s defence.

Spence’s Farewell Message to Tottenham

After the transfer was officially confirmed, Djed Spence said goodbye to Tottenham in a message posted on X. The Englishman thanked his teammates, the club’s staff and the supporters for his time in North London.

“A special chapter comes to an end. It’s been some journey, with plenty of memories, moments and experiences that I’ll carry with me forever, especially that night in Bilbao. Thanks to all the staff members who’ve helped me along the way, the players who’ve become family and, most importantly, thank you to the fans. It’s time for a new chapter, but Spurs will always have a place in my heart. Come On You Spurs!”

The reference to Bilbao was about Tottenham’s Europa League triumph, one of the defining moments of Spence’s time at the club.

Tottenham Had Prepared for Spence’s Departure

Tottenham had anticipated Spence’s possible departure and had already begun assessing potential replacements. The transfer also provides the club with additional funds to strengthen the squad before the new season.

Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam believes Spence’s departure could divide opinion among Tottenham supporters.

“Spence is a player Spurs fans will say they have seen his brilliance in flashes. You saw his brilliance at the World Cup with England.

“They may also think it is frustrating. They paid £12.5 million for him from Middlesbrough in 2022, in a deal completed by Daniel Levy, and they are now getting more than twice what they paid for him.

“But they will also say it doesn’t feel like a lot of money for a player who could become so important. Spurs have been preparing for this, though, and already have potential replacements in mind.”

Djed Spence’s Journey to Inter Milano

Djed Spence was born on August 9, 2000, in Kensington, England. He began his professional career at Middlesbrough, where he played between 2018 and 2022.

The defender rose to prominence during a season-long loan spell at Nottingham Forest, helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League. His performances convinced Tottenham to sign him in July 2022.

While under contract with the London club, Spence also spent time on loan at Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa. After four years at Tottenham, the England international is beginning a new chapter of his career with Inter Milan.

His Premier League experience, previous spell in Serie A and impressive World Cup performances make him a valuable addition to the Italian champions. At Inter, Spence now has the opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter and prove his quality at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.