Djed Spence Joins Inter Milan for €30m After 85 Tottenham Appearances

England defender Djed Spence has completed a €30 million move to Inter Milan following a World Cup campaign where he started a semifinal against Argentina.

England defender Djed Spence has finalized a transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Inter Milan for a fee of approximately €30 million. The 26-year-old right-back signed a five-year contract with the Italian club, serving as the direct replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who departed for Real Madrid earlier this summer. Spence arrives in Milan following a 2026 World Cup campaign in which he featured in all eight matches for England, including a starting role in the semifinal defeat to Argentina and the third-place playoff victory against France.

Spence concludes his tenure in north London with 85 total appearances for Spurs. The pinnacle of his four-year stay was the club's Europa League championship, a victory he highlighted alongside the "night in Bilbao" as his most significant memories. The transfer marks a return to Italy for the fullback, who previously spent six months on loan with Genoa during the 2024 season. Tottenham originally acquired Spence from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for an initial £19 million, a deal that included various performance-related add-ons.

Financial Details and International Milestones

The move to Inter Milan follows a surge in the player's market value after his performances under Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup. Middlesbrough received a £1 million windfall in September 2025 when Spence made his senior England debut, triggering a specific clause in his original sale agreement. Despite his international success, Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi did not categorize the defender as an essential component of the squad for the upcoming season. De Zerbi recently lauded Pedro Porro as the premier right-back in world football, signaling Spence's exit.

In a social media statement released at 12:46 PM ET on August 15, 2026, Spence described his time at the club as a "special chapter" and a journey filled with family-like bonds among teammates. His departure coincided with the exit of club captain Cristian Romero, who finalized a move to Atlético Madrid just hours prior. These defensive changes occur as Spurs integrate new signing Andy Robertson, who joined the club on a free transfer from Liverpool.

Squad Restructuring and Preseason Results

Tottenham's defensive unit is undergoing significant transition as Robertson prepares to compete with Destiny Udogie for the left-back position. Udogie’s availability remains a concern following a troubled preseason period. On the pitch, the team recently secured a comfortable friendly victory against Hoffenheim, fueled by a brace from Moore. The sale of Spence allows the Premier League side to capitalize on his increased valuation following his surprise inclusion in the summer's tournament squad.

Spence expressed gratitude to the Tottenham staff and supporters, noting that the club would always hold a place in his heart as he begins his new tenure in Serie A. The €30 million agreement represents a significant profit on the base fee paid to Middlesbrough four years ago. Inter Milan secures a player with extensive European experience and a recent history of starting high-stakes international fixtures against elite opposition like France and Argentina.