Roberto De Zerbi wants to keep Djed Spence at Tottenham. The Spurs coach has reiterated his desire to convince the English defender to stay in London, despite transfer rumors linking him to Inter and Everton. Despite the contract renewal signed last summer, the 25-year-old remains at the center of transfer speculation.
The Italian coach stated in a press conference: “I repeat what I said to Djed and also to Lucas Bergvall. I would like him to stay, if he wants to stay. But if you don’t want to stay and wish to leave, then it’s right for you to go.” Words that confirm De Zerbi’s intention to keep the right-back, while leaving the final decision to the player.
Last season Spence made 30 appearances in the Premier League, starting in 23 matches. It was a difficult year for the London club, which secured safety only on the final day, finishing in 17th place. In his position, the main competition comes from Pedro Porro, whom De Zerbi described as “the best in the world” in the right-back role.
Tottenham has invested 237 million pounds in this transfer window, a record figure in the club’s history, to strengthen the squad after a complicated season. The new arrivals have increased internal competition in every department, putting the future of several squad members in doubt.
Among the possible departures is also captain Cristian Romero. The Argentine defender was at the center of controversy for returning to his home country during his injury period, just days before the last match of last season. However, De Zerbi defended the center-back: “With me, he has behaved incredibly,” explained the Italian coach, while acknowledging that the player’s intention is to change teams.
“When I arrived in April, I must have had a million individual meetings. Every player told me whether they wanted to stay or not,” said De Zerbi. “I told them: ‘Help me secure safety and then I’ll help you leave. But if you don’t help me save us, then you’ll stay underwater with me,’” concluded the Spurs coach.
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