The protracted Djed Spence saga has finally come to an end, with Spurs confirming that the 21 year-old right wing-back has finally signed a five year deal following the conclusion of a lengthy period of drawn-out negotations with Daniel Levy’s North Eastern counterpart, Steve Gibson.
Various speculation abounds as to the final fee, with some outlets reporting £18million, but most reporting £20million, but the general consensus is that the fee we’ve paid up front for Spence’s services equates to roughly £12.5million, with the rest of the projected fee comprising potential-based bonuses.
Spence thus becomes our sixth first-team signing of the summer, and his arrival comes at an interesting time as far as the right wing-back berth is concerned. Indeed, one assumes that the young Londoner’s arrival will herald the end of at least one of Royal or Doherty, despite both seemingly being keen to stay. Adding the Lucas at wing-back experiment we’ve witnessed the past week in South Korea makes one wonder who will go, as, although there is undoubtedly a need for a large squad this year, four right-wing backs does appear somewhat excessive.
As for Spence himself, I’m delighted we’ve finally managed to bring him in. Despite his age and lack of top-flight experience, he’s a clear upgrade on both Royal and Doherty. Regardless of questions over his attitude from ex-manager Neil Warnock, and doubts over his defending, he has not looked out of place against top opposition. I look forward to seeing what he’ll bring to the table.
There’s no way Doherty is going anywhere, once Conte arrived and we went from full backs to wing backs he was the only truly convincing one we had. Emerson, like Reguilon, though is a full back playing out of position as a wing back. I’m sure the club would sell both of them if they could. I suppose its normal to work on the basis anyone we buy is automatically better than anyone we already have, it always seems to have been the Tottenham way. But ask yourself, how does someone who has never played in the premier league and only had one good season in the championship jump ahead of someone who performed so solidly last season ? I suspect Conte’s answer would be they don’t.
Doherty probably won’t go anywhere due to his reduced market value, no-one seems to be interested in him, and he doesn’t want to leave either, his words. Just as good as he’s a natural wing-back, unlike Emerson, you’re right, not a bad player just doesn’t suit the system (same regarding Reguilon as you’ve pointed out). I don’t think Spence will instantly displace Doherty, you’re right again, but as the season progresses his quality will shine through. Just because he has never played in the Premier League doesn’t guarantee Doherty’s position ahead of him, but such is the amount of games we’ll have this season that they’ll both probably end up playing a similar amount come the season;s end.
Very good healthy competition for places now, I wouldn’t mind 3 more out and 2 in.
Was looking at getting the away kit
€ 110
Yeah mate, strongest squad we’ve had in a while, no complaints there…always room for improvement too.