July 16, 2026

Ouaga Press

Independent English-language coverage of Burkina Faso's most pressing news and developments.

Inter milan targets tottenham’s djed spence for defensive boost

The three-time UEFA Champions League winners, Internazionale Milano, are reportedly in advanced talks to sign England international Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur. The 25-year-old right-back has emerged as a prime target for the Serie A giants following the potential departure of key defender Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid.

From London to Milan: a tactical match

Spence, who revitalized his career at Tottenham under Cristian Chivu, has expressed openness to a surprise move to San Siro. The English defender’s versatility and recent stellar performances have caught the attention of Inter’s technical staff, who are seeking a dynamic full-back capable of bolstering their squad for both domestic and European campaigns. With a contract running until 2029 (plus a one-year extension option), Spence represents a long-term yet high-potential acquisition for the Nerazzurri.

The potential transfer marks a significant turnaround for a player who once struggled to secure regular minutes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. His journey includes loan spells in Italy with Genoa during the 2023-24 season, where he made 16 appearances in Serie A, proving his adaptability and tactical awareness in a top European league.

World Cup heroics elevate Spence’s profile

The timing of Inter’s interest couldn’t be better. Spence’s stock has surged following his standout performances for England at the recent World Cup. Despite initial doubts about his selection, he delivered a Man of the Match display in the quarter-final clash against Norway, showcasing his speed and direct play style—a hallmark of his successful loan stint at Nottingham Forest in 2021-22. His contributions helped Forest secure promotion back to the Premier League via the Championship playoffs.

With 30 Premier League appearances for Tottenham last season and 13 caps for England, Spence has firmly established himself as a reliable Premier League starter. His ability to play as a right-back or left-back, or even higher up the pitch, adds tactical flexibility to any team. This versatility makes him an ideal successor to Dumfries, who has been a pivotal figure in Inter’s recent defensive setup.

The road from Middlesbrough to San Siro

If the deal materializes, it would cap an extraordinary journey for Spence. Drafted from Middlesbrough in 2022, his path to first-team football at Tottenham was far from straightforward. Loan spells at Rennes, Leeds United, and Genoa provided the necessary experience and maturity to compete at the highest level. Now, with a World Cup semi-final appearance under his belt, Spence is poised to take the next step in his career by joining one of Europe’s elite clubs.

For Inter, this potential signing is not just about replacing a departing star—it’s about securing a player who can elevate their ambitions in Serie A and the Champions League. For Spence, it represents an opportunity to compete for major trophies and test his skills against Europe’s finest in regular continental competition.