Spence’s Journey Since Leeds
Djed Spence, a former loanee at Leeds United, has emerged as a transfer target for several clubs, including Inter Milan, the 2025/26 Serie A champions, and Everton. Spence’s loan spell at Elland Road in summer 2023 from Tottenham Hotspur was cut short, with him making only seven appearances before a break clause was exercised in January. A subsequent six-month move to Bologna also did not prove fruitful.
However, since returning to his parent club, Tottenham, Spence’s career has seen a revival. Over two years, he has played 55 Premier League games for Spurs, starting 42 of them. His performances even led to a call-up to the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, where he has been an important squad member, often coming off the bench in matches against Mexico and Norway.
Inter Milan is reportedly looking for a new wing-back after a deal for Union Saint-Gilloise’s Anan Khalaili, valued at approximately €30million (£25.6m), collapsed due to a failed medical. While Inter is interested in Spence, a move for the full-back is expected to be costly given his recent form. Spence’s career turnaround since leaving Leeds in January 2024 has been notable, especially considering his injury issues and difficulty under Daniel Farke at the time.
Daniel Farke, the Leeds boss, commented on the decision to end Spence’s loan early, stating that the club made the decision and he preferred not to criticise the player. He acknowledged Spence’s potential and his involvement in a significant win against Ipswich, but ultimately felt ending the loan was the right decision at that moment.
Everton’s Right-Back Search
Everton has also been linked with Djed Spence as they look to strengthen their right-back position. This comes after Seamus Coleman, a long-serving club captain, departed upon the expiration of his contract this summer. The club’s need for a new recruit in this area has grown, with the right-back position being a long-standing concern for the Blues.
The Liverpool Echo reports that Everton has been actively searching for a new right-back for a year. While Nathan Patterson, despite featuring for Scotland in the World Cup, has been considered surplus to requirements, other players like Ben Godfrey and Jake O’Brien have been selected out of position ahead of him. The club’s manager, David Moyes, admitted to this search ahead of the winter window closing.
According to journalist Paul Bradshaw, Everton’s pursuit of a new right-back might extend closer to deadline day, which is Tuesday, September 1. The club is reportedly adopting a patient approach, hoping for a cheaper deal for Guela Doue from Strasbourg, allowing his valuation to soften as the market progresses. Doue is one of several options Everton has considered for the right-back position, which has been a crowded and unresolved area in David Moyes’ rebuild.
Should the strategy for Doue not succeed, Bradshaw indicates that Everton is confident a deal can be reached for West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a fallback option. Wan-Bissaka’s valuation has reportedly decreased following West Ham’s relegation. This patient approach for the right-back position contrasts with the urgency Everton showed in other areas of the market this summer, with deals for Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George completed early in the window.
The list of names linked with Everton’s right-back position includes Djed Spence, Raoul Bellanova, and Rico Lewis, alongside Doue and Wan-Bissaka, without any deal appearing imminent. This suggests Everton feels no immediate pressure to fill the position and may use deadline day as leverage against Strasbourg’s valuation, while keeping Wan-Bissaka as a reserve option.
Spence’s Versatility and Performance
Djed Spence’s versatility is a key aspect of his appeal. While 109 of his 265 career appearances at club level have been at right-back, 32 of his 44 outings for Spurs last season were at left-back. This ability to play on both flanks could offer Everton flexibility in their defensive lineup. He has accumulated 13 England caps to date.
Data from Comparisonator, a football data comparison tool, highlights Spence’s strong offensive attributes. He averaged more progressive runs per 90 minutes than any other player in his position last season, ahead of Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City and Ferdi Kadioglu of Brighton & Hove Albion. He also boasts considerable pace, with only Fulham’s Antonee Robinson exceeding his maximum speed of 35.75km/h.
When compared to Everton’s incumbent left-back, Vitalii Mykolenko, using Comparisonator’s Me2Others tool, Spence shows stronger offensive numbers. He has more shots, shots on target, dribbles, and successful dribbles. However, Mykolenko leads in defensive metrics, including ball recoveries, interceptions, and clearances. In terms of physical output, Mykolenko covers a greater distance per 90 minutes, but Spence produces more sprints.
The data suggests that while Mykolenko excels defensively and in passing, Spence’s offensive contributions and physical attributes are notable. The price tag for Spence is expected to be a significant factor in any potential transfer this summer.
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Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
