Report: Tottenham transfer deal collapses as club refuse to pay £5.9m for defender

There has apparently been a setback to Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions to get rid of one of their undesired defenders, as Genoa has decided against moving further with a permanent contract for Djed Spence.

After spending £12.4 million in the summer of 2022, the former Middlesbrough player—who had just played a key role in Nottingham Forest’s Premier League promotion—has not fared well in North London.

Spence’s debut season at Tottenham concluded with just six games and forty-three minutes played, as Antonio Conte did not think it appropriate to offer the right-back much opportunity in his team.

Additionally, Conte permitted the Englishman to play the remaining part of the season on loan with Ligue 1 team Rennes, where he made 10 appearances, despite the fact that all of those appearances came off the bench.

Additionally, Spence did not impress Ange Postecoglou during the preseason and was sent on loan to Leeds United, where he suffered a string of injuries.

Genoa ‘refuse’ to meet Tottenham price demands

The 23-year-old had started to receive regular starts with the Whites before he left in January to play for Genoa in the Italian top division, where he made 16 appearances and started eight games.

Spence did not score or provide an assist in Serie A, but Genoa was rumoured to be interested in keeping him on the books long-term and had the option to buy him for €10 million (£8.5 million).

Although Tottenham reportedly decreased their demands and set Spence’s new asking price at €7m (£5.9m), which they would not lower, the Italian team refused to pay that amount.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieiri claims that Genoa is prepared to back out of a permanent agreement for Spence because of Tottenham’s demand for a high payment, and the team has already found a perfect replacement.

Rather than go after Spence, Genoa will attempt to reach an agreement for Alessandro Zanoli of Napoli, for whom they will pay a €500k (£422.5k) loan fee prior to the imposition of a €6m (£5.1m) obligation the following year.

What next for Spence after Genoa collapse

Spence, who is still under contract in North London for three more seasons, will likely report back for preseason training after his transfer back to Italy has officially been ruled out.

The right-back was rumoured to be vying with Spurs for his services at Nottingham Forest because of his considerable potential, which suggested he could establish himself in the Premier League.

But for whatever reason, Spence’s signing—whose decision was reportedly influenced by chairman Daniel Levy—has not clicked, and returning to the Championship seems to be the smartest course of action for everyone involved.

It is really tough to imagine, but there is a slim potential that Spence might restart his Lilywhites career if he can destroy Postecoglou in the preseason.

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