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‘That’s what you need’ - Former Tottenham star explains why Spurs must beat Arsenal to Victor Osimhen signing

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‘That’s what you need’ - Former Tottenham star explains why Spurs must beat Arsenal to Victor Osimhen signing - Goal.com
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Former Tottenham defender Alderweireld has urged his old club to hijack Arsenal's transfer pursuit of Osimhen. He believes the Galatasaray striker would perfectly bolster De Zerbi’s attacking options. Spurs survived a disastrous relegation battle last season and have subsequently heavily invested in their squad.

The north London side broke their transfer record twice to bring in Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali for a combined £185 million. Despite already signing Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka, Tottenham have made forward additions a priority. Adding a proven striker remains crucial before the window closes.

Tottenham have previously been linked with wide players like Savinho, Cody Gakpo and Pedro Neto. However, Alderweireld insists the club must focus on securing a true centre forward like Osimhen.

"Spurs could use a striker like Victor Osimhen, they need his goals because it’s what they lacked last season as well," Alderweireld said in interview with Hajper.

"The only concern for clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United is maybe his age. He’s not the youngest player anymore and it seems like everyone wants to find a 23-year-old superstar who can bang in goals for the next seven or eight years, and I understand that, but you also need a good mix."

Alderweireld drew on his own career experiences to highlight why signing established stars alongside youthful prospects is so vital. He specifically pointed to his highly successful time in the Netherlands.

"That’s why it can be important to sign proven players who know how things go so they can bring on the younger, potential superstars alongside them, because they can set the best example," he explained.

"I think about my time at Ajax. The mix was on another level. We had Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind and Frenkie De Jong and Matthijs de Ligt coming through. That’s what you need."

Securing Osimhen will not be straightforward for Tottenham, as the Nigeria international has attracted serious interest from Arsenal. Reports indicate Galatasaray recently approached the Gunners to discuss deals for Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, floating a potential move for Osimhen in return. However, no active negotiations are currently taking place.

When asked about the ongoing transfer rumours, Osimhen remained completely focused on his current team. "I’ll focus on my job," he stated last week. "We’ll see and think about what comes next then."

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‘That’s what you need’ - Former Tottenham star explains why Spurs must beat Arsenal to Victor Osimhen signing

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‘That’s what you need’ - Former Tottenham star explains why Spurs must beat Arsenal to Victor Osimhen signing - Goal.com
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Former Tottenham defender Alderweireld has urged his old club to hijack Arsenal's transfer pursuit of Osimhen. He believes the Galatasaray striker would perfectly bolster De Zerbi’s attacking options. Spurs survived a disastrous relegation battle last season and have subsequently heavily invested in their squad.

The north London side broke their transfer record twice to bring in Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali for a combined £185 million. Despite already signing Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka, Tottenham have made forward additions a priority. Adding a proven striker remains crucial before the window closes.

Tottenham have previously been linked with wide players like Savinho, Cody Gakpo and Pedro Neto. However, Alderweireld insists the club must focus on securing a true centre forward like Osimhen.

"Spurs could use a striker like Victor Osimhen, they need his goals because it’s what they lacked last season as well," Alderweireld said in interview with Hajper.

"The only concern for clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United is maybe his age. He’s not the youngest player anymore and it seems like everyone wants to find a 23-year-old superstar who can bang in goals for the next seven or eight years, and I understand that, but you also need a good mix."

Alderweireld drew on his own career experiences to highlight why signing established stars alongside youthful prospects is so vital. He specifically pointed to his highly successful time in the Netherlands.

"That’s why it can be important to sign proven players who know how things go so they can bring on the younger, potential superstars alongside them, because they can set the best example," he explained.

"I think about my time at Ajax. The mix was on another level. We had Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind and Frenkie De Jong and Matthijs de Ligt coming through. That’s what you need."

Securing Osimhen will not be straightforward for Tottenham, as the Nigeria international has attracted serious interest from Arsenal. Reports indicate Galatasaray recently approached the Gunners to discuss deals for Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, floating a potential move for Osimhen in return. However, no active negotiations are currently taking place.

When asked about the ongoing transfer rumours, Osimhen remained completely focused on his current team. "I’ll focus on my job," he stated last week. "We’ll see and think about what comes next then."

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Double blow for Iraola: Liverpool duo close to departure

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Double blow for Iraola: Liverpool duo close to departure - Goal.com
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Liverpool are bracing for the exit of two prominent players this summer. Curtis Jones is closing in on a move to Inter Milan, while Tottenham Hotspur press ahead with their pursuit of Dutchman Cody Gakpo.

Both potential departures form part of a wide-ranging rebuild under manager Andoni Iraola, who wants to reshape the squad before the new season kicks off.

Jones is in the final year of his contract at Anfield just as Tottenham's appetite for Gakpo grows, a move that ties in with the English club's push to land Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool now face a delicate balancing act: banking a strong fee from these sales without weakening the squad or leaving themselves short of options before the campaign begins.

Inter push to seal the Jones deal

Sources with knowledge of the transfer market told "CaughtOffside" that Inter Milan have placed Curtis Jones at the top of their priorities. They believe the deal can be done for around 35 million euros.

Liverpool had hoped to bring in closer to 40 million euros for the midfielder. Jones's willingness to take on a new challenge in Serie A may yet drive the talks towards their decisive stages.

Chatter about his future has grown recently, fuelled by his absence from some of the team's matches. Reports close to Liverpool insist his exclusion stems from a hip problem, along with steps to manage his physical readiness, rather than any attempt to protect him ahead of a possible move.

With Jones heading into the final year of his deal, selling him this summer could be the ideal way for Liverpool to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of next season, especially with Inter's interest so clear.

Gakpo edges closer to Tottenham

The Gakpo situation is moving quickly too. The Dutch winger has reached an initial agreement with Tottenham over personal terms, a step that could pave the way for the deal to be completed.

Liverpool are holding out for more than 60 million pounds sterling to let Gakpo go, though other estimates put the club's valuation closer to 70 million pounds sterling.

His case differs sharply from that of Jones. Gakpo is tied to a contract at Anfield until 2030, which hands Liverpool a strong negotiating position and frees them from any pressure to sanction his departure unless the money hits their target.

Everything about Gakpo's future feeds into Liverpool's plan to bolster their attacking options, especially out wide. The club have made Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola one of their prime targets, having already agreed personal terms with the player, while the French side stick firmly to their steep financial demands.

Liverpool face a difficult equation

Selling Jones and Gakpo could bring in serious money, but the club's board must tread carefully. Securing replacements before the pair leave will be essential.

Offloading Jones makes sense financially. His contract expires next summer, his current value sits at around 35 million euros, Inter are seriously interested, and the player himself fancies a new challenge in Italy.

Gakpo is another matter entirely. His contract runs until 2030, so Liverpool have no reason to rush a sale unless Tottenham table an offer that matches their valuation.

Ultimately, the potential exits of Jones and Gakpo are about far more than trimming the numbers or turning a profit. They form part of a bigger plan to reshape the squad, handing Iraola the room to rebuild the team around his own vision before the new season begins.

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'It feels the wrong way round!' - Jamie Carragher slams Man Utd for backward Youri Tielemans transfer after missing out on Tottenham star

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'It feels the wrong way round!' - Jamie Carragher slams Man Utd for backward Youri Tielemans transfer after missing out on Tottenham star - Goal.com
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Carragher has expressed serious doubts over Man United’s decision to sign Tielemans, suggesting the transfer feels like it has happened in the wrong order. The Belgian international completed a £35m move to Old Trafford from Aston Villa last month, signing a five-year deal to become a key part of Carrick’s midfield revolution.

Speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, Carragher explained his confusion regarding the career path Tielemans has taken. The former Liverpool defender stated: "The thing with Tielemans, I was watching the [UEFA] Super Cup [between PSG and Aston Villa] and I’d just seen that Man United were on ITV playing Leeds, so I put it on.

"It just came to me a little bit - Tielemans was taking a corner, and it come to me, he’s a good player, don’t get me wrong. But you’d almost feel like he should have been at United a few years ago, then gone to Villa – not being at Villa, then gone to United.

"‘I’m not saying he’s had his best days, but it almost felt like the wrong way round. The last three years should have been at United, and then he gets sold to Villa."

The former England defender was equally critical of United’s failure to secure Mateus Fernandes, who instead joined Tottenham Hotspur in a blockbuster deal. While United held talks with West Ham regarding the Portuguese star, they eventually balked at the £85m asking price, allowing their London rivals to swoop in.

Carragher detailed his surprise at United's lack of aggression in the market for the youngster, saying: "I was a little bit worried when I saw United linked with Fernandes because I thought that could be a good signing. I just looked at him and his age and was surprised United didn’t go for Fernandes.

"They said it was too expensive but was it that expensive? I know £85m is a lot but you’re never going to get a really top midfielder now for £50m."

Supporting the idea that United might still be short, Scholes highlighted where the club should look next before the transfer window shuts. "A priority position for United... think of a position where it’s needed most," Scholes noted. "We’ve got players who can cover the forward areas - I think [Matheus] Cunha can play centre-forward, and [Bryan] Mbeumo can play centre-forward. And you’ve still got - I don’t know what’s going to happen with Marcus Rashford, but again, there’s another option in that area. I still think either centre-half or central midfielder is a priority.”

As the Red Devils prepare for their Premier League opener against newly-promoted Hull City this Saturday, the debate over their summer spending continues to rumble. Whether Tielemans can prove Carragher wrong and show that he is indeed an upgrade for the modern United side remains to be seen.

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Emiliano Martinez alternative found! Juventus agree deal to sign Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham

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Emiliano Martinez alternative found! Juventus agree deal to sign Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham - Goal.com
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Juventus have moved on from their pursuit of Martinez, identifying Tottenham's Vicario as the primary solution to their goalkeeping needs. The Turin giants had spent several weeks locked in negotiations with Aston Villa, but eventually walked away after learning the Premier League side refused to budge on their €15m (£12.8m) asking price.

With the Martinez deal off the table, the Italian club acted swiftly. According to The Athletic, a total agreement was reached on Monday with Tottenham to sign Vicario, marking a Serie A homecoming for the 29-year-old shot-stopper following his 2023 departure.

The agreement is structured as a loan featuring a non-mandatory €10.5m (£9m) purchase option, according to Tuttosport. This allows the Bianconeri to evaluate the player’s performances throughout the season before committing to a permanent transfer, presenting a cost-effective alternative to their previous targets.

For Tottenham, the departure signals a change in direction under Roberto De Zerbi, who has already identified Antonin Kinsky as his preferred number one. Vicario endured a mixed campaign in north London last term, where he was occasionally prone to costly mistakes before ultimately losing his starting spot following hernia surgery in March.

Vicario will join one of Italy's most prestigious clubs after an eventful three-year stint in England. He originally arrived at Spurs from Empoli for a fee of around €20m and quickly established himself as Hugo Lloris's successor.

His arrival shakes up the current dressing room dynamic in Turin. With Vicario poised to take over the starting role, the future of Michele Di Gregorio has become increasingly uncertain. According to Fabrizio Romano, the current Juve keeper has already been offered to Marseille and other European clubs on loan.

Luciano Spalletti has been keen to add a goalkeeper who is comfortable playing out from the back, a trait Vicario demonstrated frequently during his early months at Tottenham. While his form dipped toward the end of his London tenure, Juventus staff believe a shift back to the tactical environment of Serie A will help him rediscover his best level.

This transfer is part of a broader summer overhaul for the Old Lady. Having recently secured Jhon Lucumi from Bologna, the addition of a new goalkeeper further strengthens a backline undergoing significant changes as Vicario prepares to integrate into Spalletti's system.

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'It feels the wrong way round!' - Jamie Carragher slams Man Utd for backward Youri Tielemans transfer after missing out on Tottenham star

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'It feels the wrong way round!' - Jamie Carragher slams Man Utd for backward Youri Tielemans transfer after missing out on Tottenham star - Goal.com
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Carragher has expressed serious doubts over Man United’s decision to sign Tielemans, suggesting the transfer feels like it has happened in the wrong order. The Belgian international completed a £35m move to Old Trafford from Aston Villa last month, signing a five-year deal to become a key part of Carrick’s midfield revolution.

Speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, Carragher explained his confusion regarding the career path Tielemans has taken. The former Liverpool defender stated: "The thing with Tielemans, I was watching the [UEFA] Super Cup [between PSG and Aston Villa] and I’d just seen that Man United were on ITV playing Leeds, so I put it on.

"It just came to me a little bit - Tielemans was taking a corner, and it come to me, he’s a good player, don’t get me wrong. But you’d almost feel like he should have been at United a few years ago, then gone to Villa – not being at Villa, then gone to United.

"‘I’m not saying he’s had his best days, but it almost felt like the wrong way round. The last three years should have been at United, and then he gets sold to Villa."

The former England defender was equally critical of United’s failure to secure Mateus Fernandes, who instead joined Tottenham Hotspur in a blockbuster deal. While United held talks with West Ham regarding the Portuguese star, they eventually balked at the £85m asking price, allowing their London rivals to swoop in.

Carragher detailed his surprise at United's lack of aggression in the market for the youngster, saying: "I was a little bit worried when I saw United linked with Fernandes because I thought that could be a good signing. I just looked at him and his age and was surprised United didn’t go for Fernandes.

"They said it was too expensive but was it that expensive? I know £85m is a lot but you’re never going to get a really top midfielder now for £50m."

Supporting the idea that United might still be short, Scholes highlighted where the club should look next before the transfer window shuts. "A priority position for United... think of a position where it’s needed most," Scholes noted. "We’ve got players who can cover the forward areas - I think [Matheus] Cunha can play centre-forward, and [Bryan] Mbeumo can play centre-forward. And you’ve still got - I don’t know what’s going to happen with Marcus Rashford, but again, there’s another option in that area. I still think either centre-half or central midfielder is a priority.”

As the Red Devils prepare for their Premier League opener against newly-promoted Hull City this Saturday, the debate over their summer spending continues to rumble. Whether Tielemans can prove Carragher wrong and show that he is indeed an upgrade for the modern United side remains to be seen.

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'Drawn by the history' - Djed Spence explains decision to leave Tottenham for Inter

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'Drawn by the history' - Djed Spence explains decision to leave Tottenham for Inter - Goal.com
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The versatile full-back officially completed a €35m (£30m) switch on Saturday to bolster the defence of the reigning Italian champions. The London-born defender returns to the peninsula two years after a 16-game loan stint with Genoa in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign. During his four-year spell on the books at Spurs following his arrival from Middlesbrough in 2022, he also gained valuable European and domestic experience on loan at Rennes and Leeds United.

Speaking to his new club's official website, the 26-year-old stressed that Inter's winning tradition and prestigious trophy cabinet were the decisive factors behind his decision to leave the Premier League. He said: "I was definitely drawn by the history. You only have to look behind us at all those trophies. This really is a massive club. It's a big step for me and my family. I'm over the moon to be here and I'm ready to get started."

The England international also feels his previous loan spells in France and Italy significantly aided his maturity: "They've shaped me a lot. You learn so much when you play abroad. I can say I became a man when I was abroad and I'm grateful for those experiences."

In the Inter dressing room, the new signing will reunite with John Stones, his England team-mate at the recent World Cup, as well as backup goalkeeper Josep Martinez, who played alongside him during his loan spell at Genoa.

Spence becomes the Nerazzurri's fifth signing of the summer transfer window following the arrivals of Stones, Manuel Akanji, Aleksandar Stankovic, and Ivan Provedel. Commenting on his new team-mates, he revealed: "I haven't spoken to any of them yet, but I was with Martinez at Genoa two years ago and with Stones at the World Cup. They both sent me messages in the last few days. I can't wait to see them and get started."

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Deal struck! Cody Gakpo agrees Tottenham move but Liverpool face Bradley Barcola transfer stand-off

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Deal struck! Cody Gakpo agrees Tottenham move but Liverpool face Bradley Barcola transfer stand-off - Goal.com
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Tottenham have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with Gakpo as Roberto De Zerbi continues his ambitious squad overhaul. Following back-to-back 17th finishes where the club narrowly avoided relegations from Premier League, Spurs have been aggressive in the market, already spending roughly £237 million on the likes of Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes, and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Reports from Dutch outlet Voetbal International suggest that the player and Spurs are moving toward a final agreement, but but a transfer fee between Tottenham and Liverpool has yet to be finalised. Gakpo’s potential departure comes as the Reds prepare for a new era following the exit of Mohamed Salah and the appointment of Andoni Iraola.

As Gakpo prepares for his exit, Liverpool’s search for a marquee replacement has hit a significant roadblock. The Reds have reportedly identified Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola as their primary target to fill the void, but the French giants are playing hardball over the transfer fee.

While the arrival of new attackers like Mika Godts and Ferran Torres to Parc des Princes could theoretically push Barcola down the pecking order under Luis Enrique, PSG appear under no immediate pressure to sell their prized asset for anything less than their record-breaking £145m asking price.

While the Barcola deal remains in the balance, Liverpool have already added Victor Munoz from Osasuna to their attacking ranks this summer. The Spanish winger operates primarily on the left flank, providing Iraola with immediate depth. However, the club is also looking inward for solutions, with high hopes placed on young talent Rio Ngumoha.

The transition period at Anfield is well underway, with Salah’s departure marking the end of one of the most successful eras in the club's history. Iraola has been tasked with maintaining the club's competitive edge while integrating younger profiles. The potential sale of Gakpo would provide additional funds, but the inability to land Barcola so far has left fans anxious about the depth of the front three heading into a demanding domestic and European schedule.

With the deadline approaching, Liverpool may be forced to look at alternative targets if PSG refuse to lower their demands for Barcola. The Reds have also been linked with Barcola’s PSG teammate Ibrahim Mbaye, suggesting that Anfield scouts are keeping a close watch on the talent pool in the French capital.

For Tottenham, the focus remains on finalising the Gakpo deal and potentially adding Man City's Savinho to complete a revamped attacking unit. De Zerbi has been backed heavily following last year’s brush with disaster, and the arrival of a proven Premier League performer like Gakpo could be the final piece of the puzzle.

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Deal struck! Cody Gakpo agrees Tottenham move but Liverpool face Bradley Barcola transfer stand-off

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Deal struck! Cody Gakpo agrees Tottenham move but Liverpool face Bradley Barcola transfer stand-off - Goal.com
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Tottenham have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with Gakpo as Roberto De Zerbi continues his ambitious squad overhaul. Following back-to-back 17th finishes where the club narrowly avoided relegations from Premier League, Spurs have been aggressive in the market, already spending roughly £237 million on the likes of Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes, and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Reports from Dutch outlet Voetbal International suggest that the player and Spurs are moving toward a final agreement, but but a transfer fee between Tottenham and Liverpool has yet to be finalised. Gakpo’s potential departure comes as the Reds prepare for a new era following the exit of Mohamed Salah and the appointment of Andoni Iraola.

As Gakpo prepares for his exit, Liverpool’s search for a marquee replacement has hit a significant roadblock. The Reds have reportedly identified Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola as their primary target to fill the void, but the French giants are playing hardball over the transfer fee.

While the arrival of new attackers like Mika Godts and Ferran Torres to Parc des Princes could theoretically push Barcola down the pecking order under Luis Enrique, PSG appear under no immediate pressure to sell their prized asset for anything less than their record-breaking £145m asking price.

While the Barcola deal remains in the balance, Liverpool have already added Victor Munoz from Osasuna to their attacking ranks this summer. The Spanish winger operates primarily on the left flank, providing Iraola with immediate depth. However, the club is also looking inward for solutions, with high hopes placed on young talent Rio Ngumoha.

The transition period at Anfield is well underway, with Salah’s departure marking the end of one of the most successful eras in the club's history. Iraola has been tasked with maintaining the club's competitive edge while integrating younger profiles. The potential sale of Gakpo would provide additional funds, but the inability to land Barcola so far has left fans anxious about the depth of the front three heading into a demanding domestic and European schedule.

With the deadline approaching, Liverpool may be forced to look at alternative targets if PSG refuse to lower their demands for Barcola. The Reds have also been linked with Barcola’s PSG teammate Ibrahim Mbaye, suggesting that Anfield scouts are keeping a close watch on the talent pool in the French capital.

For Tottenham, the focus remains on finalising the Gakpo deal and potentially adding Man City's Savinho to complete a revamped attacking unit. De Zerbi has been backed heavily following last year’s brush with disaster, and the arrival of a proven Premier League performer like Gakpo could be the final piece of the puzzle.

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Dumfries replacement locked in! Inter seal €35m transfer for Djed Spence from Tottenham as Serie A return confirmed

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Dumfries replacement locked in! Inter seal €35m transfer for Djed Spence from Tottenham as Serie A return confirmed - Goal.com
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Inter have moved decisively in the summer transfer market to secure the future of their right flank by completing the permanent signing of Spence from Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old, who recently celebrated his birthday, has put pen to paper on a long-term contract at San Siro that runs until June 2031.

Having completed his medical examinations with both the club and the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), Spence inked a deal worth a reported €2.5m per year, plus performance-related bonuses. Under the agreement, Tottenham will receive €31.5m upfront, with an additional €3.5m tied to performance milestones and add-ons.

This transfer marks a return to Italy for Spence, who previously enjoyed a productive six-month loan spell with Genoa during the 2024 season. That experience proved vital in convincing the Nerazzurri hierarchy that he possessed the necessary attributes to thrive in Cristian Chivu's demanding system. Able to operate with equal proficiency on either the right or left wing-back positions, Spence provides Inter with elite tactical flexibility.

Spence's stock has risen significantly on the global stage following his impressive performances during the 2026 World Cup. The defender was a mainstay for the Three Lions, featuring in all eight matches throughout the tournament in North America. His international pedigree was further cemented as he started the semifinal defeat against Argentina and the subsequent third-place playoff victory over France.

Spence leaves Tottenham after making 85 appearances for the club, a total that reflects a journey of perseverance after he was originally signed from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for an initial £19m fee.

The departure of Spence has been facilitated by Tottenham's own activity in the transfer market, specifically the arrival of veteran full-back Andy Robertson. The former Liverpool man joined Spurs on a free transfer and is expected to provide substantial competition and leadership on the left side of the defense.

Spence becomes the second England international to join Inter this summer, following defender John Stones, who arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City. The Nerazzurri are now gearing up for the new campaign, with their Serie A season set to kick off at home against Monza on August 22.

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