Djed Spence’s Tottenham Transfer Position Revealed As Club CEO Provides Update

Djed Spence’s Tottenham Transfer Position Revealed As Club CEO Provides Update

Genoa CEO Andres Blazquez has disclosed that both the Serie A club and Tottenham Hotspur loanee Djed Spence would be “happy” to continue their partnership for the 2024-25 season.

The former England youth international has struggled to establish himself in North London since joining from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2022, when Spurs outbid Arsenal for his signature.

Spence, whose signing was strongly supported by Daniel Levy, arrived at Tottenham following an impressive loan spell with Nottingham Forest, where he played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League.

However, after his €14.7m (£12.4m) move, Spence managed only 43 minutes across six matches under Antonio Conte in the first half of the 2022-23 season, eventually going on loan to Rennes.

Deemed surplus to requirements by Ange Postecoglou, Spence spent the first half of the 2023-24 season with Leeds United, where injuries limited his impact, before moving to Genoa for the remainder of the term.

Genoa CEO Comments on Spence’s Future Amid Transfer Uncertainty

The defender has adapted well to Serie A, making 16 appearances for Genoa, eight as a starter, and there has been speculation about a permanent move.

However, doubts arose over the weekend with claims that Genoa had ended their interest in Spence due to Tottenham’s €7m (£5.9m) asking price for the 23-year-old.

This amount is lower than the €10m (£8.4m) option to buy clause in his loan deal, but Genoa were reportedly unwilling to pay £5.9m and had shifted their focus to other targets.

Despite this, a transfer remains possible. Speaking to Telenord via Fabrizio Romano, Blazquez emphasized that Spence is eager to stay in Italy, but the move doesn’t solely depend on Genoa.

“I’d be happy to keep Djed Spence at the club, he was doing great here on loan… but it doesn’t depend on us,” Blazquez said. “Spence would be happy to stay at Genoa. But Tottenham are a rich club.”

Should Tottenham lower their demands for Spence?

Since Spence last played competitively for Tottenham, Pedro Porro has established himself as the team’s first-choice right-back, with Emerson Royal providing competition and backup.

If Spence were to return to Hotspur Way, he would be third choice under Postecoglou. There is also speculation that Emerson might move on this summer, which could improve Spence’s standing in the squad.

Even so, Spence would likely only see limited substitute minutes in the Premier League and starts in domestic cup competitions. Therefore, a transfer this summer appears to be the best solution for all parties involved.

Considering Spence is a 23-year-old with three years remaining on his contract, £8.4m seems a fair price, and £5.9m is even more reasonable. It is surprising that Genoa has reportedly declined to pay the latter fee.

Genoa’s finances were bolstered by the £21.1m sale of Radu Dragusin to Tottenham in January. If striker Albert Gudmundsson also leaves for a substantial fee in the coming weeks, they should have no problem meeting Spurs’ price demands.