Djed Spence completes Inter Milan switch from Tottenham

Inter Milan have completed the signing of Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal that could rise to €35 million (£29.9m), bringing an end to the England international’s four-year spell in north London.

The Serie A champions will pay Tottenham an initial €30m for the 26-year-old, with additional clauses potentially taking the overall value of the transfer to €35m. Spence has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at San Siro until 2031.

The Italian giants identified the full-back as a priority after allowing Denzel Dumfries to leave for Real Madrid. Spence’s ability to operate on either side of defence made him an attractive option as Inter reshaped their backline.

He arrived in Milan on Thursday night to complete the move, shortly after returning from a productive World Cup campaign with England. Spence featured in all eight matches as Thomas Tuchel’s side progressed to the semi-finals.

Spurs cash in after remarkable turnaround

Spence’s departure represents another major change to Tottenham’s defensive structure following a summer of significant movement.

Spurs have strengthened with centre-backs Marco Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, while Andy Robertson has arrived to provide another option at left-back. Luka Vuskovic has also joined Brighton & Hove Albion permanently, while Cristian Romero’s transfer to Atletico Madrid was confirmed on Saturday.

With Pedro Porro established as the preferred right-back and Archie Gray providing cover, Tottenham are also well equipped on that side. Robertson, Destiny Udogie and Souza give manager options on the opposite flank.

From Conte rejection to Spurs star

Spence’s rise is particularly striking given his difficult start at Tottenham after joining from Middlesbrough for a reported £12.5m in July 2022.

He failed to start a Premier League match during his first two seasons and was subsequently loaned to Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa. Former Spurs manager Antonio Conte famously described him as a “club” signing rather than his own choice.

His fortunes changed under Ange Postecoglou, who gradually integrated him into the team during the 2024-25 campaign.

Spence eventually established himself as a reliable and versatile defender, earning a new long-term contract in August 2025 after previously being tied to Tottenham until 2028.

He leaves having made 79 appearances for the club and played a key role in their Europa League triumph during the 2024-25 season.

Inter, meanwhile, have also refreshed their defence, with Manuel Akanji and John Stones arriving from Manchester City as part of a broader rebuild.