Liverpool circle Spurs’ Spence as De Zerbi opens exit door – a savvy swoop or a bridge too far?
It’s been a slow burner of a window at Anfield so far. With Victor Munoz the only new face through the door and last season’s fifth-place finish still stinging, Liverpool look set to power up the recruitment drive for Andoni Iraola. The new gaffer wants legs, width and intensity – and, if reports are on the money, a raid on Tottenham for Djed Spence is very much under consideration.
Reds weigh up a Spurs raid
According to TeamTalk, Liverpool have registered interest in Tottenham defender Djed Spence, who has been told he isn’t part of Roberto De Zerbi’s long-term plans in north London. Inter Milan are said to have made contact too, so the queue for his signature is forming fast. Spurs look prepared to facilitate an exit this summer – the only real wrinkle is whether they’ll fancy strengthening a Premier League rival.
Why Spence could suit Iraola’s blueprint
Spence brings pace, direct running and the rare knack of operating on either flank – a coach’s dream when you’re juggling injuries and in-game tweaks. He’s been lauded as “phenomenal” in the past, and Liverpool’s interest makes footballing sense: as a right-back, he offers a very different profile to the slick, attacking full-backs they’ve often been linked with, and as a left-sided option he ticks the versatility box Iraola craves.
There’s also the wider squad picture. With full-back depth very much on the agenda – and with Andy Robertson reported to have departed at the end of his deal this summer – adding a two-footed defender who can cover both touchlines would be smart business if the price is right.
Price, competition and the gamble
As ever, it comes down to numbers. If Liverpool can strike a sensible fee, Spence feels like high-upside value: athletic, adaptable, and still with plenty of ceiling to hit. The flip side? He needs a platform and patience after a stop-start Spurs spell. Inter’s interest could nudge the price up, while Tottenham’s stance on selling to a domestic rival might yet turn this into a game of brinkmanship.
Transfer tape – watch this space
Liverpool have also opened talks over a new midfielder as they look to supercharge Iraola’s style, with a winger still on the wish list despite Munoz’s arrival. Expect a brisker tempo from now on as pre-season bites and irons sharpen. If you’re following the odds and market mood music, our best betting sites guide is a handy companion – this is a saga that could shift quickly once one bid lands.
Verdict
On balance, this is the sort of opportunistic move Liverpool have thrived on: identify a talent slightly off the radar, back your coaching, and let the player blossom. Whether Spurs are willing dance partners is another matter entirely. But if the door’s ajar, don’t be shocked if the Reds try to barge it open.
