Tottenham have said their goodbyes to Djed Spence this summer, with the full-back joining Inter Milan in a €30m deal.
Spence's stock soared after the World Cup, with his recovery challenge on Giuliano Simeone in England's semi-final against Argentina one of those moments that'll be ingrained in English football consciousness in perpetuity, even though the Three Lions collapsed to a 2-1 defeat.
Despite his stellar tournament, Roberto De Zerbi has never quite taken to him. An outstanding one-on-one defender and athlete, Spence, of course, has his uses, but there are limitations that plenty have swept under the carpet amid the dismay over his departure.
For what De Zerbi wants to achieve, especially in possession, Spence just isn't a great fit.
Still, his exit begs the question as to whether Spurs will add another full-back to their ranks before the transfer deadline arrives. We're well stocked at left-back, but Archie Gray is currently Pedro Porro's deputy at right-back.
If we are to sign a replacement this summer, they'd likely operate in reserve to our latest World Cup winner. Here are three options the club could consider.
There have been links to Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams in this transfer window, with the Welshman discussed as a potential target when it became clear that Spence was on the chopping block.
There aren't too many full-backs who profile like Spence, but Williams isn't too dissimilar. He's a sturdy and unspectacular profile, who's secure and safe in possession, and is athletic enough to get up and down the pitch effectively.
Right-footed, Williams, like Spence, oddly performs better down the left. He's even started to take set-pieces at Forest, highlighting his technical quality.
Being homegrown, the 25-year-old should appeal. Perhaps Spurs would consider a part-exchange if Forest come back in for Lucas Bergvall.
Given the make-up of the squad and our current stack of non-homegrown players, I find it unlikely that if we do sign a full-back this summer, they won't classify as homegrown.
Still, given that we won't be signing Lewis Hall or Tino Livramento, I'd thought I'd through a couple of exotic names into the mix, perhaps for future reference.
I've watched a fair amount of Club Brugge in recent years, especially when Nicky Hayen was at the helm. They've pulled off a couple of notable results in the Champions League, and have stockpiled an impressive array of exciting young talent.
In this window, we've seen Christos Tzolis (Arsenal), Alexander Stanković (Inter Milan), Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt) secure moves to Europe's premier divisions and some of the continent's biggest clubs. Last year, Arshon Jashari (AC Milan) moved onto pastures new, while Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland) arrived on English shores.
Left-back Joaquin Seys will almost certainly earn a big move soon, with Manchester United currently interested. Seys is slight in stature, but a Duracell bunny-like presence down the left flank and has also made 37 senior appearances at right-back. De Zerbi would love his versatility.
Again, another potential replacement for 2027. Givairo Read is committed to Feyenoord for the time being.
Still, it won't be long until the young right-back has garnered Europe's attention. We're talking about a soon-to-be star who'll almost certainly rank among the finest at his position.
The 20-year-old had a relatively quiet 2025/26 season due to a hamstring injury, but broke through superbly the campaign prior. Read excelled in the Champions League, particularly against AC Milan over two legs, when he paid close attention to Rafael Leão.
He's a hybrid full-back who's proficient on the overlap. Technically excellent with the ball at his feet, Read is a pinpoint crosser who can also manipulate possession to wriggle out of tight spots and combine beyond pressure.
Roma and Nottingham Forest tried and failed to sign him this summer. He's certainly one to keep an eye out for in 2026/27.