Full Breakdown
Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence Targeted by Inter Milan Amid Low-Fee Transfer Talk
8/12/2026, 8:30:24 PM
Core Event
Inter Milan are in advanced negotiations to acquire England full-back Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur for a reported minimum fee of £25.6 million (about €30 million). The 26-year-old, who made eight World Cup appearances, has four years left on his contract with the north-London club, with an option to extend.
Background & Context
Spence joined Tottenham in July 2022 for £20 million after leaving Middlesbrough. He logged 85 appearances for Spurs and was named in the Premier League starting XI 23 times as the club narrowly avoided relegation. Tottenham’s summer window opened with £237 million spent on three record-breaking signings and several free arrivals, while generating roughly £50 million from the sale of Luka Vuskovic and other outgoing deals. The pace of further sales has since slowed, and the club has yet to replace the £100 million departure of Sandro Tonali to Newcastle.
Data & Statistics
- Reported Inter Milan fee for Spence: £25 million (? €30 million).
- Original Middlesbrough fee paid by Tottenham: £20 million.
- Spence’s contract: four years remaining, signed last year with an extension option.
- Recent Tottenham outgoing revenue: £50 million (Vuskovic) plus potential £21.4 million (Radu Dragusin), £20 million (Will Lankshear) and about £16 million for younger players.
- Inter Milan’s recent defensive outlay: Denzel Dumfries left for Real Madrid for €17.1 million.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham’s head coach, said he would like Spence to stay but respects the player’s wishes. He clarified that he does not set transfer prices and that any sale would be handled by club executives Vinai Venkatesham and chairman Daniel Levy. De Zerbi added that keeping a player who is unhappy with limited playing time could harm squad harmony, so he would support a move if the player desires it.
Impact on Squad Dynamics
Spence’s prospects at left-back have dimmed after the arrival of Andy Robertson, reducing his chances of regular minutes. On the right, 20-year-old Archie Gray offers versatility and has been appointed captain during pre-season, reflecting De Zerbi’s confidence in his leadership. The manager also highlighted the development of Lucas Bergvall, noting that both young players benefit from regular game time. A Spence exit would likely free up opportunities for Gray and Bergvall, though De Zerbi warned against over-specialising versatile players.
Why It Matters
The fee being discussed is only £5 million higher than the amount Tottenham originally paid Middlesbrough, prompting debate about the market value of English internationals after a strong World Cup showing. A modest fee could limit Tottenham’s ability to recoup spending from their high-cost summer acquisitions, affecting the club’s overall financial balance. For Inter Milan, the signing would address the vacancy left by Denzel Dumfries, bolstering their defensive options ahead of a Champions League campaign.
What’s Next
Tottenham’s hierarchy has indicated that any final decision will involve talks with Spence, his representatives, and the club’s executive team. The resolution will shape the club’s capacity to pursue additional signings before the transfer window closes.
