Inter Completes Permanent Signing of Spence from Tottenham

Inter have locked down their right flank for the long haul, completing the permanent signing of Spence from Tottenham Hotspur on a deal that runs all the way to June 2031.

The 26-year-old, fresh from celebrating his birthday, has signed a long-term contract at San Siro worth a reported €2.5m per year, with performance-related bonuses on top. Inter moved with intent: Tottenham receive €31.5m upfront, with a further €3.5m tied to add-ons and performance milestones.

All formalities are done. Spence passed medical examinations with both Inter and the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) before putting pen to paper, ending his spell in north London and reopening a chapter in Italian football that had already hinted at this move.

A return to Italy – and a perfect tactical fit

This is not Spence’s first taste of Serie A. His six-month loan at Genoa in the 2024 season proved far more than a mid-career detour. Those months convinced Inter’s hierarchy that he had the engine, discipline and personality to handle Cristian Chivu’s demanding wing-back system.

Crucially, Spence offers something coaches crave: genuine two-sided versatility. Comfortable on either flank, he can operate as a right or left wing-back without dropping his level, giving Inter rare tactical freedom as they juggle domestic and European commitments.

World Cup platform, San Siro stage

Spence arrives in Milan with his reputation significantly enhanced on the international stage. During the 2026 World Cup in North America, he became a fixture for the Three Lions, featuring in all eight of England’s matches.

He started the semifinal defeat to Argentina, then lined up again in the third-place playoff, where England beat France. That run cemented his status as a reliable tournament performer, the kind of defender who can handle pressure, minutes and the scrutiny that comes with it.

End of a Spurs chapter

His move brings the curtain down on a four-year journey at Tottenham. Signed from Middlesbrough in July 2022 for an initial £19m, Spence went on to make 85 appearances for Spurs, a tally that speaks to persistence and steady growth rather than instant stardom.

Tottenham’s willingness to sanction the sale is closely tied to their own reshaping of the back line. The arrival of veteran full-back Andy Robertson on a free transfer from Liverpool has altered the picture. Robertson is expected to bring experience, leadership and serious competition on the left side of the defence, giving Spurs cover to cash in on Spence.

English core at Inter grows

For Inter, this is not an isolated move but part of a clear recruitment pattern. Spence becomes the second England international to join the Nerazzurri this summer, following John Stones’ free transfer from Manchester City.

An English spine is forming in Milan, and it arrives just as Inter gear up for a new campaign with serious expectations. Their Serie A season opens at home to Monza on August 22.

By then, Chivu will expect his new wing-back to be fully integrated, bombing up and down the touchline beneath the Curva Nord. Inter have paid for their future on the flanks. Now they will demand that Spence turns that investment into trophies.