Djed Spence, the 25-year-old English full-back, is poised to sign a new long-term contract with Tottenham Hotspur, marking a significant turnaround in his career with the club. After a challenging start following his arrival in July 2022, Spence has impressed the Spurs management, led by new manager Thomas Frank, with his improved attitude and performances.
Spence's journey at Tottenham has been anything but straightforward since his £20 million transfer from Middlesbrough. Initially, he struggled to find his place in the team, and former manager Antonio Conte even suggested that Spence's signing was driven by the club rather than himself. This led to loan spells at Rennes, Leeds United, and Genoa as he searched for consistent playing time and an opportunity to prove his worth.
During the 2024/25 season, Spence finally began to establish himself in the Tottenham first team. A string of injuries to key defenders, including Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Destiny Udogie, provided him with an extended run in the starting lineup from December 2024 to February 2025. He seized the opportunity, delivering impressive performances that showcased his capabilities. Notably, he was named Player of the Match in Tottenham's 1-0 victory over Manchester United on February 16, 2025. He also scored his first Premier League goal in a 4-1 win against Ipswich Town on February 22, 2025. Last season, he started 19 games in all competitions for Spurs.
Spence's versatility has also been a valuable asset to Tottenham. He notably played the full match as a left wing-back in the UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, demonstrating his adaptability and willingness to contribute wherever needed. He also filled in at left-back once Destiny Udogie picked up a serious injury.
Spence's previous contract, signed in July 2022, was a five-year deal worth $6,500,000, with an average annual salary of $1,300,000. His base salary for 2025 is $2,080,000. The new contract reflects Tottenham's confidence in Spence's future with the club and rewards his dedication and improvement.
Before joining Tottenham, Spence had a successful loan spell with Nottingham Forest during the 2021/22 season, playing a key role in their promotion to the Premier League after a 20-year absence. His performances at Forest drew attention from several clubs, ultimately leading to his move to Tottenham.