Tottenham player’s future in doubt after once being seen as a key figure | OneFootball

Although Tottenham Hotspur is known for having a squad filled with players who meet expectations, not all signings go as planned.

Antonio Conte’s brief tenure at Tottenham was marred by a series of highs and lows, both on and off the pitch.

One of the more perplexing signings during the Italian’s time in North London was that of Djed Spence.

Tottenham player’s future in doubt after once being seen as a key figure

Manchester United FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC - Premier League / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

After an impressive season on loan at Nottingham Forest, Spurs took a £12.5m gamble on the young right-back in the summer of 2022.

However, things have not gone according to plan for Spence at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, leaving his future at the club hanging in the balance.

Despite the optimism that followed his move from Middlesbrough, Spence’s time at Spurs has been far from successful.

Having been brought in during a transfer window that saw multiple high-profile signings, including the likes of Richarlison and Yves Bissouma, the 22-year-old has struggled to make an impact.

Under Conte, Spence made just 11 appearances in his first season and failed to break into the starting XI.

His lack of opportunities saw him shipped out on loan for the 2023/24 season, with stints at Leeds United and Genoa providing little indication that he could force his way into Spurs’ plans.

A move that never came to fruition

Djed Spence’s signing was not even one that Conte personally requested.

According to Talk Sport, the manager openly admitted that it was a decision made by the club, and while he hoped the young defender would develop into a key player, Spence’s path at Tottenham has been anything but smooth.

"Spence is an investment of the club. The club wanted to do it," Conte said. "I said ‘OK, this player is young but he showed he can become a good, important player for us’. The club decided to buy him."

The right-back’s struggles to fit into the tactical system at Spurs have become evident, with his technical ability and style not quite aligning with the demands of Conte’s approach.

Now under Ange Postecoglou, the club’s focus has shifted, and Spence’s future remains uncertain. Once hailed as "Premier League quality" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is in desperate need of a fresh start.

Whether that will be at Spurs or another club is still unclear, but one thing is for certain—Spence’s time at Tottenham has not gone as expected, and his next move could define the rest of his career.