Tottenham’s decision to sell Djed Spence has left Roberto De Zerbi with a clear question to answer before the transfer window closes.
The England international completed a £30 million move to Inter Milan earlier this month, ending a four-year stay in north London which included several loan spells and a dramatic first-team revival.
Tottenham also secured a ten per cent sell-on clause, giving them protection if Spence’s career continues to develop in Italy.
Spence’s versatility made him particularly useful. He was naturally comfortable on the right but became a reliable option at left back, where his pace allowed him to defend large spaces and recover against quick wingers.
Pedro Porro remains De Zerbi’s clear first choice on the right. The Spaniard provides creativity, quality crosses and an attacking threat, but Tottenham no longer have another specialist senior right back behind him.
Player | Natural position | Appearances | Minutes | Goals | Assists | How Tottenham used him | Current status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pedro Porro | Right-back | 47 | 3,923 | 2 | 6 | First-choice right-back and occasional wing-back | Tottenham |
Djed Spence | Right-back | 44 | 3,024 | 0 | 0 | Covered both full-back positions, including the right | Joined Inter |
Archie Gray | Central midfield | 35 | 2,262 | 2 | 3 | Makeshift right-back alongside several midfield roles | Tottenham |
Archie Gray can fill the position and has already played across defence during his Spurs career. However, the 20-year-old is primarily a midfielder and is also expected to compete for minutes in the middle of the pitch.
There are plenty of options on the opposite side.
Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Souza and Ben Davies can all operate at left back, although Robertson and Davies are now in the later stages of their careers.
Tottenham do not have European football this season, reducing the need for an enormous squad. Even so, relying on Porro to remain available throughout the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup would carry an obvious risk.
Spence was capable of replacing Porro without forcing De Zerbi to completely change his system. Finding another player with similar flexibility could therefore become an important piece of late business.
Neco Williams has emerged as a possible solution, albeit a tricky one, with the ex-Liverpool defender already attracting interest from Aston Villa and other clubs at one point this summer.
Tottenham hold ‘exploratory’ talks for Neco Williams as Forest hold firm
BBC journalist Sami Mokbel reports that Tottenham have held exploratory talks regarding the Nottingham Forest star.
Forest are aware of the ‘late’ interest from Spurs, but have no current intention of approving his departure. The Midlands club are instead working towards another improved contract for Williams, who signed a four-year deal in July 2025.
His existing terms already run until June 2029, leaving Forest in an extremely strong position, and making this a pretty uphill battle for De Zerbi’s side.
Mokbel reported earlier this year that Villa, Newcastle, Man United and Everton had also made enquiries after Williams established himself as an important figure at the City Ground.
The 25-year-old would replicate much of the flexibility Tottenham lost with Spence.
Williams is right footed but has spent long periods operating from the left, while he can also play at right back or as a wing back.
That experience on both sides would be valuable to De Zerbi, and he could provide competition for Porro while also giving Tottenham another option if Udogie struggles with fitness or Robertson requires careful management.
Williams came through Liverpool’s academy before joining Forest in 2022.
He has since developed into one of their most dependable players and has occasionally worn the captain’s armband.
Forest’s position makes a late agreement difficult, and Oliver Glasner cannot easily replace such a versatile defender with only days left in the window.
Tottenham have the money received for Spence, but there is currently no indication that a formal offer is being prepared.
Williams would be a logical replacement, yet Forest appear determined to close the door before Spurs can turn their interest into anything more serious.
