The versatile Spurs full-back could be set to leave Tottenham this summer following his World Cup heroics for Thomas Tuchel’s England
Tottenham full-back Djed Spence is open to a move away from the north London club this summer. The 25-year-old, who is currently stateside with Thomas Tuchel’s England, has earned admirers for his displays during this summer’s World Cup.
Spence has endured a mixed tournament campaign, earning praise for his substitute appearances against Croatia, Mexico and Norway while drawing criticism for unconvincing performances against Ghana and DR Congo.
He has also been chastised by Thomas Tuchel from the sidelines on several occasions. Spence has, however, taken this criticism in his stride and brushed off his manager’s behaviour towards him.
“I think it’s just passion, just psyching me up to go on the pitch and cause trouble, and that’s what I did,” Spence said after his stellar cameo in England’s quarter-final triumph over Norway.
So impressive was Spence’s display versus Norway that many have called for the Tottenham full-back to start in the semi-final versus Argentina this evening. Indeed, given his pace and tenacity for defending, there is a suggestion that he is the ideal player to nullify the threat of Lionel Messi.
Away from the national team, his Tottenham future is up in the air. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Serie A champions Inter Milan are in talks for Spence, who is seen as their number one target at right wing-back following his World Cup heroics.
This comes following the departure of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid, who had spent five years at the San Siro and made over 200 appearances for the club.
An enquiry from the Nerazzurri saw Tottenham quote an asking price higher than expected, but talks are ongoing.
Reports claim Spence would be open to the move away from north London and would relish the opportunity to establish himself as the Italian champions’ first-choice right-back.
The 25-year-old made 44 appearances for Spurs last term as the north London club came dangerously close to relegation from the Premier League.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side escaped the drop on the final day of the season, and Tottenham’s hierarchy has already made it clear this summer that the club has no intention of repeating the disastrous previous two campaigns, which ended with consecutive 17th-place finishes.
Six new signings have already walked through the doors at Hotspur Way, including Liverpool legend Andy Robertson, who will provide Spence with direct competition for the left-back role alongside Destiny Udogie.
While one of Spence’s strengths is his versatility to operate on either flank, Pedro Porro – who is currently outperforming Spence’s World Cup exploits – remains the undisputed first choice at right-back.
As such, Spence may be forced to leave north London in search of more minutes due to the congestion at full-back. Everton have also been linked with a potential deal for the 25-year-old, though sources have indicated that any potential deal would be difficult given Spence has three years remaining on his contract.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Spence will undoubtedly be focused solely on England’s World Cup semi-final clash with Argentina this evening.
“I just want to make the country proud, the nation proud, my team proud, the manager proud,” the full-back said following the victory over Norway.
“When I step on the pitch, I’ll give 110 per cent for this country, I’m just grateful to do my part.”
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