From Peckham to San Siro: Djed Spence's Long Journey to Inter Milan

Jakarta - Almost two years ago, Djed Spence stepped onto the San Siro pitch wearing a Genoa shirt. He was brought on as a substitute in the 63rd minute during Inter Milan's 2-1 Serie A victory over his club on 4 March 2024.

Now, Spence returns to that very same stadium. This time, he is not here as an opponent.

The England international full-back has officially signed for Inter Milan, after the Nerazzurri announced his permanent transfer from Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 15 August 2026. Spence has put pen to paper on a contract running until 30 June 2031.

Inter did not disclose the transfer fee in their official statement, however multiple media outlets report the deal is valued at approximately €30 million. Reuters has also confirmed the permanent transfer and the length of the 2031 contract.

This move marks a new chapter in what has been far from a smooth career path for Spence. His journey began far from the bright lights of top European football, on the grassroots pitches of Peckham, South London.

Beginnings in Peckham

Spence was born in London on 9 August 2000, to parents of Jamaican descent.

When he was six years old, his mother took him along to Peckham Town, a local amateur club based in the neighbourhood where he grew up. It was here that Spence first experienced organised football.

Football had already become a core part of his life from an early age. He would play at school, in local parks, and on every small patch of grass around Peckham he could find.

Spence later joined the Junior Elite academy in Croydon. Notably, he did not start out as a defender.

He played as a winger, and grew up idolising Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, with Ronaldo being his absolute favourite player.

It was a coach at Junior Elite who first suggested he try playing at full-back.

This positional switch would go on to become the defining turning point of his entire career.

Spence adapted to the new role immediately. He developed into a dynamic attacking full-back, capable of covering the entire flank with both solid defensive work and threatening forward runs.

From those grassroots pitches, Spence earned a move to the Fulham academy in 2016.

England Football has documented this period as a critical foundation in Spence's development, before he would go on to break into professional football.

Finding His Rhythm at Nottingham Forest

After two years at Fulham's academy, Spence made the move to Middlesbrough.

He made his Championship debut in December 2019, and scored his first senior goal just a few weeks later.

However, he never managed to properly establish himself at Middlesbrough.

His big break arrived when he was loaned out to Nottingham Forest for the 2021/22 season.

It was at Forest that Spence finally found the consistent momentum he had been chasing.

He emerged as one of the standout players in the division, playing a key role in Forest's promotion to the Premier League. His impressive performances in the FA Cup, most notably against Arsenal and Leicester City, also saw his reputation skyrocket.

That form earned him a move back to London, as Tottenham Hotspur signed him in the summer of 2022.

But the transfer to Spurs did not kickstart his career as expected.

Instead, Spence found himself sent out on a series of loan spells: first at Rennes in France, then Leeds United, before moving to Genoa in Italy.

It was at Genoa that he gained valuable first team experience in Serie A.

Across the first six months of 2024, Spence made 16 top flight appearances for the club. The most memorable of these matches was undoubtedly Genoa's trip to face Inter at San Siro.

Inter ran out 2-1 winners that night. Once again, Spence entered the field as a substitute in the 63rd minute.

At that moment, nobody could have guessed that San Siro would one day become his home ground.

The Tottenham Turning Point

Upon returning from his final loan spell, Spence finally began to earn regular trust at Tottenham.

The 2024/25 season was a major turning point. He was part of the Spurs squad that lifted the Europa League trophy, defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the final held in Bilbao on 21 May 2025. Spence came off the bench during that final match.

This progress also earned him his first senior call up for England.

He made his full international debut in September 2025, and quickly became a trusted option in Thomas Tuchel's plans.

The 2025/26 season saw him go from strength to strength. Spence made 44 appearances across all competitions for Tottenham, building a reputation for his versatility to operate on either defensive flank.

In total, he left Tottenham having made 85 senior appearances and lifted one Europa League title.

Ultimately, Spurs opted to sell Spence as competition for places in the full back positions became increasingly fierce at the club.

Playing the World Cup With a Broken Jaw

His transfer to Inter came shortly after Spence came through the biggest test of his international career so far.

Spence's place at the 2026 World Cup looked at serious risk after he suffered a broken jaw in the final weeks of Tottenham's domestic season.

He still travelled to North America with the England squad, wearing a custom protective face guard.

The injury did not stop him.

Spence featured in all eight of England's matches at the tournament, proving himself a vital versatile option for Tuchel out wide.

As confirmed by England Football, he appeared in every single match for his country, even when not named in the starting eleven.

One of his defining moments came in the semi final against Argentina.

With Giuliano Simeone breaking clean through on goal, Spence produced a perfectly timed last ditch tackle to deny the chance. England would go on to lose the match 2-1 and miss out on the final, before securing third place with a win over France.

His performances at the World Cup saw his stock rise significantly.

By the time he signed for Inter, he was not just a player with prior Serie A experience - he was an England international who had just featured in every match at football's biggest global stage.

Filling Inter's Gap

Spence's arrival also came at the perfect moment for Inter Milan.

Shortly before the transfer, the Nerazzurri had lost first choice right back Denzel Dumfries, who completed a permanent move to Real Madrid on 5 July 2026 after his release clause was activated.

Dumfries left Inter having made 207 appearances, scored 27 goals, registered 28 assists and lifted eight major trophies during his time at the club.

Inter were in urgent need of reinforcement at wing back, and Spence fit exactly the profile they were looking for.

He boasts explosive pace, sharp acceleration and strong 1v1 ability. Critically, he is comfortable playing on either flank, giving Inter huge tactical flexibility.

This is far from a squad filler signing.

Spence arrives after spending years working his way up and proving himself at every step.

From the young winger who worshipped Ronaldo, to the converted full back. From Peckham Town, through Fulham academy, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

Through the three successive loan spells that followed his move to Spurs, before he finally rebuilt and established his career.

Now, that long winding road has brought him back to Italy.

Returning to San Siro, This Time As An Inter Player

There is a perfect circular poetry to this transfer.

Back in March 2024, Spence stood on the San Siro turf as a Genoa player, on the losing side against Inter.

Over two years later, he walks back through those same stadium doors.

This time, he will wear the black and blue of Inter.

From the tiny local pitches of Peckham to the 2026 World Cup, Spence's career has been defined by moves, setbacks and second chances.

Now he has committed his future to Inter Milan until 2031.

The next chapter of Djed Spence's story is no longer about searching for somewhere he belongs.

He has come to San Siro to prove he belongs at the very top.