Transfer Centre

Tottenham Hotspur announce Djed Spence signing

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 19 July 2022

Tottenham Hotspur announce the signing of Djed Spence from Middlesbrough, with the right-back becoming Spurs' sixth acquisition of the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of Djed Spence from Middlesbrough.

The 21-year-old has become the Lilywhites' sixth acquisition of the summer after Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic, Richarlison and Clement Lenglet.

Spence spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Nottingham Forest, during which he played an integral role in helping the Tricky Trees achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Spence registered three goals and five assists in 46 games for Steve Cooper's side, who also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup before defeat to Liverpool.

The England Under-21 international was a product of Fulham's academy before signing for Middlesbrough in 2018, during which he scored two goals in 70 appearances for the Championship club.

Djed Spence celebrates scoring for Nottingham Forest in October 2021 © Reuters

Spence's exploits also saw him rewarded with a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season and the PFA Championship Team of the Year for the 2021-22 campaign.

Tottenham have confirmed that Spence has signed a five-year contract until the summer of 2027, although the North London club initially struggled to find an agreement with Boro.

With Fabio Paratici focusing on targets elsewhere, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was spearheading negotiations with Chris Wilder's side.

However, Spurs and Middlesbrough made a breakthrough in negotiations last week, and the North London club will reportedly pay an upfront fee of £12.5m for the defender.

Boro could earn as much as £20m with performance-related add-ons, and the strong relationship between Levy and his Middlesbrough counterpart Steve Gibson was said to be crucial in getting a deal over the line.

Daniel Levy pictured in the Spurs stands on December 23, 2019 © Reuters

North London rivals Arsenal were also understood to have been interested in a deal for Spence, but Tottenham quickly moved ahead of their capital counterparts in the race.

Spence will arrive in North London to compete with the likes of Lucas Moura, Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal for the right-wing back spot, although the latter is still being linked with an exit.

Images of Spence conducting media duties were leaked onto social media before his signing was announced, and the youngster could now make his debut in Saturday's friendly with Rangers at Ibrox.

Tottenham have already beaten a K-League XI 6-3 and drawn with Sevilla 1-1 this summer and will also reunite with Jose Mourinho when battling Roma in the I-Tech Cup in Israel on July 30.

Antonio Conte's side will then begin their Premier League campaign against Southampton at home on August 6.