Fiorentina Eye Djed Spence As Spurs Future Hangs In Balance

Fiorentina are considering a swoop for Djed Spence, the Tottenham Hotspur defender, if Roberto de Zerbi signals he can leave north London this summer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

The Italians are plotting a series of transfer raids on rival clubs after overcoming a poor start to the Serie A season and hauling themselves clear of the relegation zone.

And Spence, who despite only being set to turn 26 in August has already spent time at six different teams since turning professional, is among a number of potential targets they have identified in England ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer, according to sources. 

Having started last weekend’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, which kept Spurs’ hopes of avoiding what would be a cataclysmic relegation alive, Spence remains an integral part of their push to preserve Premier League status.

However, after being involved in a well-publicised on-field spat with Thomas Frank, one of de Zerbi’s predecessors, Spence could seek to pursue a career abroad if the worst comes to pass and the former Brighton and Hove Albion and Marseille chief fails to save them from dropping into the Championship.

In other developments, it is understood that centre-back duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both expected to depart regardless of which division Spurs find themselves in next season, while Conor Gallagher is also weighing up his future amid reported interest from Newcastle United.

Serie A Return

Fiorentina, whose sporting director Fabio Paratici previously worked for Spurs, believe the 25-year-old could prove a valuable addition to a team which is expected to be remodelled before the start of the 2026/27 campaign. 

The Stadio Artemio Franci, which is also undergoing a major overhaul, would be an attractive destination for Spence should Paratici’s employers decide to firm-up their interest given that he previously enjoyed a spell on loan with Genoa.

Born in Kensington, Spence progressed through Fulham’s youth system before turning professional with Middlesbrough. 

Having also completed a temporary spell with Nottingham Forest, he has also spent time on loan with Leeds United and Rennes since returning to the capital.

Spence has scored twice in 80 appearances for Spurs, having joined them for a reported fee of around £20m under Antonio Conte’s stewardship, although he described the player’s arrival as an “investment” rather than a signing expected to reap immediate benefits.