Zhipan Sport

De Zerbi wants to convince Spence to stay at Spurs

Jul 30, 05:00 PM

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi says he wants to convince England defender Djed Spence to stay at the club, highlighting his importance in the team's future plans.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto de Zerbi has publicly stated his desire to convince England defender Djed Spence to remain at the club, emphasizing the player's significance in the team's long-term vision. This declaration has sparked widespread speculation about Spence's future. The 24-year-old Spence joined Tottenham from Middlesbrough in 2022 and has experienced a roller-coaster career since. After a successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest, where he helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League, Spence struggled to secure regular playing time at Spurs. However, under De Zerbi's guidance this season, he has gradually regained form and become a key rotational option in defense. In a recent interview, De Zerbi said: "Djed is an extremely talented player. His speed, defensive awareness, and attacking ability have impressed me. I have been in constant communication with him, expressing my trust and his role in the team. I hope he can see his future at Tottenham." Despite Spence's contract running until 2027, transfer rumors have persisted. Several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United, have expressed interest in signing him during the summer window. Spence himself is eager for more playing time to boost his chances of making England's squad for the 2026 World Cup. Tottenham currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, on track for Champions League qualification. De Zerbi believes retaining Spence is crucial for the club's development. "We need players like Djed to strengthen our squad depth, especially with multiple competitions. He has the potential to become a top-class defender." Meanwhile, Tottenham are actively negotiating a contract extension with Spence's representatives, aiming to offer a more attractive deal to keep the young defender. Club officials are confident that De Zerbi's personal touch can persuade Spence to stay. For Spence, staying at Spurs means continuing to develop under a renowned manager like De Zerbi and potentially playing in the Champions League. However, leaving could guarantee him a more consistent starting role elsewhere. This decision will significantly impact his career trajectory. As the summer transfer window approaches, Spence's future remains a hot topic among Tottenham fans. De Zerbi's public stance has added intrigue to the "stay-or-go" saga. The final outcome now hinges on the player's own choice.