How Djed Spence went from zero to hero at Tottenham after signing new contract
Djed Spence’s hard work and persistence has paid off at Tottenham.
Spence became an important player for Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou during the 2024/25 season.
Since he has become a UEFA Europa League winner, going on to start for Spurs against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final.
But it has not always been smooth sailing for Spence at Tottenham. The fullback has battled against exclusion, squad competition and managerial requirements to earn his place in the squad.
Tottenham signs Spence from Middlesbrough
On 19 July 2022, Tottenham announced the signing of Spence from Middlesbrough for a reported fee of £20million.
It was one season into the Antonio Conte era, and the Italian was desperately hoping to use the foundation Nuno Espirito Santo had set as a springboard for greater glory.
- Spence played a vital role in Nottingham Forest’s promotion-winning side
- The fullback featured in both the EFL Championship Team of the Season and the PFA Championship Team of the Season
He made his debut for Tottenham on 29 August as a late substitute in a 2-0 win against Forest in the Premier League.
But it soon became clear to Conte that Spence was dispensable. In four Premier League appearances, the fullback played five minutes. This catalysed a series of loan moves which would see him almost leave Spurs permanently.
Spence was loaned out three times at Tottenham
Spence underwent not one, not two, but three loans between January 2022 and August 2024.
The first came at Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais, where he was loaned for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. He made 10 appearances for Rennes, including a shock 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.
But shining against Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe was still not good enough for Conte, and he was loaned to Leeds United in the summer of 2023.
- 2 September 2023: Spence debuted against Sheffield Wednesday
- 18 September 2023: The Englishman suffered a knee ligament injury in training and was sidelined until December
- 4 January 2024: Leeds triggered a break clause to terminate Spence’s loan spell
He then signed for Serie A club Genoa on a loan deal until the end of the season. Genoa were eager to sign Spence on a permanent transfer but were unable to meet his £8.5m buy-option.
At a loss, Spence returned to Tottenham after almost two seasons away, determined to alter his fate.
Spence turns things around at Tottenham
Spence signed for Tottenham in 2022. But he did not receive his first start until 15 December 2024 in a 5-0 thrashing of Southampton in the Premier League.
Long-term injuries to defenders Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie meant that Spence saw an extended run in Spurs’ starting lineup until February 2025.
- Spence scored his first Premier League goal in a 4-1 win against Ipswich Town on 22 February
- Spence started against PSG in the Super Cup final, putting on a near-perfect performance
Now, a vital member of Frank’s squad, Spurs have rewarded the defender for his persistence, performances and talent.
Tottenham confirmed on Monday, 18 August, that Spence had signed a new deal in North London as a key part of their long-term project. His extension, which was approved by Frank, will see Spence battle it out with Udogie for an uncontested starting spot.
Spence is a role model at Tottenham
Similar to Mikey Moore, who is on loan at Rangers after climbing through the academy ranks, Spence is proof that talent without hard work is nothing.
The defender went from almost leaving Tottenham for good to becoming one of the most valued players in the current squad.
While a bitter pill to swallow, rejection and the best of times is simply redirection. Rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere, Spence bided his time, confident that he could meet expectations at Spurs.
After winning the Europa League with Tottenham and extending his contract, the next step for Spence will be his first senior England national team call-up in time for the 2026 World Cup.
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