Report: Tottenham transfer deal collapses as club refuse to pay £5.9m for defender

Tottenham’s Transfer Setback with Djed Spence

Tottenham Hotspur’s efforts to offload defender Djed Spence have hit a snag, as Genoa have opted not to pursue a permanent deal due to financial disagreements, according to recent reports.

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Spence’s Tottenham Stint

Djed Spence, a former standout at Nottingham Forest, arrived at Tottenham in the summer of 2022 for £12.4 million. However, he struggled to secure regular playing time under Antonio Conte, making just six appearances off the bench totaling 43 minutes. His lack of involvement prompted a loan move to Rennes in Ligue 1, followed by another loan spell at Leeds United.

Loan Spells and Genoa Interest

During his loan stint with Genoa in Serie A, Spence featured in 16 matches, starting in eight of them. Despite the club’s interest in retaining him permanently, Tottenham set an asking price of €7 million (£5.9 million), a figure Genoa was unwilling to meet. Initially, Tottenham had demanded €10 million (£8.5 million) for his permanent transfer, but eventually lowered their expectations.

Collapse of the Deal

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that Genoa has decided to walk away from negotiations due to Tottenham’s firm stance on the asking price. Instead, the Italian club has turned its attention to Napoli’s Alessandro Zanoli, opting for a loan deal with a subsequent obligation to buy for €6 million (£5.1 million).

Spence’s Future

With Genoa’s withdrawal from negotiations, Spence is expected to return to Tottenham for pre-season training. The 23-year-old still has three years remaining on his contract with the North London club. While his time at Tottenham has been underwhelming, Spence retains potential that was evident during his stint at Nottingham Forest, where he caught the eye of clubs like Arsenal.

Potential Next Steps

Spence faces an uncertain future at Tottenham. His performances in pre-season could influence manager Ange Postecoglou’s decision regarding his future role in the squad. However, given the current circumstances and Tottenham’s past reluctance to give him significant opportunities, a move to a Championship club might be the most viable option for Spence to revive his career and regain regular playing time.

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Conclusion

Djed Spence’s failed transfer to Genoa underscores the challenges Tottenham faces in offloading surplus players. While Spence has shown promise earlier in his career, a lack of playing time at Tottenham and failed loan spells have complicated his situation. His return to Tottenham for pre-season training will be a crucial period to determine his future path, whether that involves a fresh start under Postecoglou or a move elsewhere to reignite his career.