Liverpool are showing serious interest in Tottenham full-back Djed Spence, with reports suggesting Spurs are willing to let him go this summer after a series of eye-catching performances at the World Cup. The 25-year-old has gone from a fringe figure at Tottenham to one of the most talked-about defenders in the Premier League, and Liverpool are not the only club paying attention.
Here’s what’s driving the interest, why Tottenham might be open to selling, and what it could mean for both clubs.
Why Liverpool Are Interested in Djed Spence
Liverpool’s interest in Spence isn’t a new development sparked purely by his World Cup form. According to Anfield Watch, the Reds have kept tabs on him since 2023, when a scouting trip to watch Desire Doue also saw Spence catch their eye during a match against the French winger. That interest never turned into an official approach, but it never went away either.
What’s changed is the context. Liverpool are rebuilding under new head coach Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot after a fifth-placed finish fell well short of the title-winning standards set the previous season. The Reds have already lost Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson without bringing in transfer fees for any of them, and full-back has become an area of genuine need.
Conor Bradley’s serious injury last season left Liverpool short on the right side, with Dominik Szoboszlai occasionally filling in ahead of Jeremie Frimpong. On the left, Kostas Tsimikas is viewed as next in line behind Milos Kerkez following his loan spell at Roma. A versatile defender who can operate on either flank, as Spence does, would give Iraola options he currently lacks.
Spence’s World Cup performances have only strengthened the case. His display against Norway drew widespread praise, and he was one of the few England players to emerge with credit from their eventual exit against Argentina. Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was among those to publicly back him, posting on social media that people needed to “put some respect on his name.”
Why Tottenham Could Let Him Go
Spurs’ willingness to sell isn’t really about Spence’s form. It’s about squad building under Roberto De Zerbi, who has overseen one of the busiest transfer windows in the Premier League this summer. Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali have all arrived at Tottenham, and that kind of outlay usually needs to be balanced with outgoings.
Reports from TEAMtalk indicate Spence is one of around five players Tottenham are prepared to sell this summer as part of a plan to generate further funds for De Zerbi’s rebuild. With competition for places increasing across the back line, a player entering the final stages of his development, with a rising valuation, is exactly the kind of asset a club in Tottenham’s position might look to cash in on.
That said, not everyone at the club is convinced it’s the right call. Former scout Bryan King argued publicly that Tottenham would be “stupid” to let Spence leave for anything under £50 million, pointing to his growing reputation and the value clubs place on versatile, athletic full-backs in the modern game. Other reporting has floated a lower figure closer to £25 million, and a more recent update suggests a bid from Inter Milan for Spence and centre-back Cristian Romero together fell short of Tottenham’s asking price. Until a fee is agreed, the exact valuation remains unsettled.
How Spence Fits Into Liverpool’s Rebuild
Spence’s biggest strength is his versatility. He’s comfortable at right-back or left-back, brings genuine pace to Liverpool’s defensive line, and has developed a more disciplined, all-round game since his early struggles at Tottenham following his move from Middlesbrough. His willingness to attack from deep and recover quickly when possession is lost makes him a natural fit for a team that wants to press aggressively and support attacks from full-back, which is broadly the identity Iraola built at Bournemouth.
For a Liverpool side reshaping itself after a difficult season, adding a player who is both younger and improving, rather than one who needs to be moved on again in a couple of years, fits the wider direction of the rebuild. It also gives Iraola cover across two positions rather than committing resources to separate left and right-back signings.
Who Else Is in the Race
Liverpool are far from alone in monitoring Spence’s situation. Inter Milan have already opened discussions with his representatives, according to TEAMtalk, putting them ahead in terms of concrete talks. Newcastle and Everton have also been credited with interest, meaning Tottenham could have several suitors to negotiate with once the World Cup finishes and full attention turns back to the transfer market.
That level of competition works in Tottenham’s favour. A genuine auction for a player coming off strong international performances tends to push valuations upward rather than down, which may explain why Spurs appear in no rush to accept an offer that undervalues him, even if they’re open to a sale in principle.
What Happens Next
Nothing here amounts to a done deal. Liverpool’s interest is real, but so is competition from Inter Milan and other Premier League clubs, and Tottenham’s valuation of Spence appears to be a genuine sticking point rather than a formality. His performances at the FIFA World Cup have undoubtedly raised his profile and his price, which cuts both ways for Tottenham: it strengthens their negotiating position but also risks pricing out interested clubs.
For now, Spence’s next move remains genuinely open. What’s clear is that a player who once had to fight for a regular starting spot at Tottenham has, through a combination of loan-spell development and a strong World Cup, turned himself into one of the more sought-after full-backs in English football this summer.
