England international Djed Spence has arrived in Italy as he prepares to complete his permanent transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Inter Milan in a deal that could eventually reach €35 million.
The versatile defender landed in Milan late on Thursday ahead of his scheduled medical examination with the Serie A giants on Friday. The transfer is expected to be completed once Spence passes the medical and the remaining formalities are finalised.
According to reports, Tottenham have agreed an initial fee of approximately €31.5 million, around £27 million, with performance related add ons capable of taking the total package to €35 million. The North London club have also reportedly negotiated a 10 per cent sell on clause, meaning Spurs could benefit financially from any future transfer involving the defender.
Spence’s arrival in Milan marks an important new chapter in a career that has experienced plenty of twists and turns since his breakthrough at Nottingham Forest.
Born in London on August 9, 2000, Spence developed through the academy system at Fulham before joining Middlesbrough as a teenager. He eventually made his senior debut for the Championship club and began attracting attention because of his pace, athleticism and attacking ability from the full back position.
His career took a major step forward during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the 2021/22 season. Spence became one of the standout players in Forest’s promotion campaign, playing an important role as the club secured a return to the Premier League.
His performances attracted interest from several top clubs, eventually leading Tottenham to sign him in 2022.
However, Spence’s time in North London was far from straightforward.
Competition for places and changes in management made it difficult for the defender to establish himself as a regular starter. He subsequently spent time away from Tottenham on loan, including spells with Rennes and Genoa.
His six month spell at Genoa in 2024 gave him valuable experience of Italian football and allowed him to understand the tactical demands of Serie A.
That previous experience could prove particularly useful as he prepares to return to Italy on a permanent basis.
Spence’s versatility has been one of his biggest strengths throughout his career. Although naturally suited to the right back position, he has demonstrated an ability to play on either side of the defence and operate in different tactical systems.
His speed remains one of his most obvious weapons. The Englishman is capable of quickly recovering his position defensively while also providing an attacking outlet when his team moves forward.
His ability to carry the ball from deep and make overlapping runs has made him an attractive option for clubs seeking modern full backs who can contribute at both ends of the pitch.
His latest move comes after what has reportedly been a particularly impressive period at international level.
Spence enjoyed a strong 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with England, earning increased exposure on the international stage as the Three Lions progressed to the third place playoff.
His performances during the tournament helped strengthen his reputation and reportedly convinced Inter to make a decisive move for his signature.
The Nerazzurri have been searching for a long term solution on the right side following the departure of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid. Spence’s pace, physical qualities and tactical flexibility have made him an appealing candidate to fill the void.
At Inter, the defender will face a completely different challenge from the one he experienced at Tottenham.
Inter are one of Italy’s biggest clubs and compete regularly for Serie A titles and European honours. The expectations surrounding players at San Siro are therefore considerably high.
Spence’s previous experience in Italy should help him settle quickly, but he will still need to adapt to Inter’s tactical demands and compete for his place in a squad filled with experienced players.
His move also brings an end to a four year association with Tottenham.
During his time with Spurs, Spence reportedly made 85 senior appearances and was part of the squad that lifted the Europa League trophy. He also featured 44 times during the previous campaign as Tottenham endured a difficult Premier League season and only secured their top flight status on the final day.
The decision to sell Spence appears to have been influenced by Tottenham’s changing squad structure.
Pedro Porro has established himself as an important option on the right and recently committed his future to the club, while the arrival of Andy Robertson has strengthened the left side of the defence.
With competition for defensive positions increasing, regular first team opportunities for Spence were expected to become more difficult to secure.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi therefore reportedly approved the defender’s permanent departure as the club looked to reshape its squad.
For Spence, the move offers an opportunity to restart his career at one of Europe’s most historic clubs.
The 26 year old now has the chance to establish himself in Serie A, compete for major trophies and continue building his international career with England.
The immediate priority, however, is completing the medical examination.
If everything goes according to plan, Spence will sign the final documents before being officially presented as an Inter Milan player.
From his early days at Middlesbrough to his breakthrough with Nottingham Forest, his difficult period at Tottenham and his previous experience with Genoa, Spence has already experienced plenty during his career.
Now, with Inter prepared to invest up to €35 million in his services, the English defender has another opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.
For Inter, the signing could provide the pace and versatility needed to strengthen their defensive options. For Spence, it represents perhaps his biggest opportunity yet to establish himself as a leading European full back.
The next chapter begins in Milan.
