Djed Spence Set to Sign New Tottenham Contract

From Outcast to Key Player – The Remarkable Turnaround Under Ange Postecoglou

It’s not often in football that a player goes from the fringes of the squad, written off by one manager, to becoming a trusted figure under another in the space of a single season. Yet Djed Spence is living proof that comebacks do happen — and sometimes, they’re spectacular. The 24-year-old right-back is now set to put pen to paper on a new Tottenham contract, a reward for his patience, perseverance, and rediscovery of form under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou.

What Happened?

According to reliable sources including Paul O’Keefe and Fabrizio Romano, Spence will soon commit his future to Spurs, signing an extension that seemed unthinkable just a year ago.

When the London-born defender arrived at Tottenham from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2022, expectations were sky-high. His performances for Nottingham Forest in their promotion-winning 2021-22 Championship season had caught the eye of several Premier League clubs, and Spurs paid a fee in the region of £20 million to secure his services.

But then came a nightmare spell under Antonio Conte. The Italian famously dismissed Spence as a “club signing” — the implication being that the player was brought in by the recruitment department rather than requested by the manager. Conte’s mind was made up early, and no matter what Spence did in training, his name never made it onto the teamsheet.

The result? Three successive loan spells, first at Rennes in Ligue 1, then at Leeds United, and finally in Serie A with Genoa. While each stint provided valuable minutes, none offered the stability Spence needed to truly kickstart his Premier League career.

Luton Town v Tottenham Hotspur – Pre-Season Friendly

The Ange Postecoglou Effect

Everything changed in the summer of 2024. Postecoglou, known for his attacking football and man-management skills, arrived at Tottenham with a fresh perspective. Unlike his predecessor, he saw Spence not as an unwanted signing but as a player with untapped potential.

By the start of last season, Spence was back in the fold, making his first competitive start for Spurs in nearly two years. The Australian’s trust in the right-back paid off almost instantly. Spence brought pace, width, and a renewed defensive focus to Tottenham’s backline, quickly becoming a regular feature in the starting XI.

It was a remarkable turnaround — from forgotten loanee to first-team regular in a matter of months.

Did You Know?

• Psychological Rebuild – Spence has openly admitted that Conte’s rejection “shattered my confidence,” forcing him to work with sports psychologists during his loan spells.

• Loan Journeyman – Between January 2023 and May 2024, Spence played for clubs in three different countries — England, France, and Italy.

• Style of Play – Known for his overlapping runs and quick recovery pace, Spence’s attacking intent fits perfectly with Postecoglou’s adventurous full-back system.

This mental resilience, paired with his physical attributes, is what has allowed him to finally cement his place at Tottenham.

The Road Back to North London

Spence’s first big opportunity to prove himself came in the early stages of last season when injuries to other full-backs forced Postecoglou to reshuffle his defence. Rather than seeing it as temporary cover, Spence seized the moment. His performances — marked by intelligent positioning and sharp bursts down the flank — convinced the manager he was more than just a stop-gap.

One standout match came against Arsenal at the Emirates, where Spence neutralised their left-sided attack for most of the game. Even in defeat, he emerged as one of Tottenham’s few bright sparks, showing he could perform under intense pressure.

As the season went on, his minutes increased, and so did his influence. By spring, the once-loaned-out full-back was starting high-profile matches, including Tottenham’s UEFA Super Cup run.

The PSG Test

FBL-EUR-SUPERCUP-2025-PSG-TOTTENHAM

Only days before news of the new contract broke, Spence started in Spurs’ UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. While the match ended in disappointment, his performance was another sign that he has earned the trust of the coaching staff for big occasions.

Facing the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé is no easy task, yet Spence handled himself with composure, winning key tackles and providing attacking width when opportunities arose.

Why This Contract Matters

For Spence, this deal represents more than just job security — it’s a vindication of his decision to fight for his place rather than seek a permanent move away. In the modern game, it’s all too common for players to jump ship when opportunities dry up. Spence’s journey is a reminder that persistence, the right manager, and a bit of luck with timing can change everything.

For Tottenham, tying him down now makes perfect sense. The club’s full-back depth has been an issue in recent years, with injuries and inconsistent form forcing tactical compromises. Securing Spence ensures Postecoglou has a reliable, energetic option for years to come, and also protects the club’s asset in case future interest comes from elsewhere.

What’s Next for Spence?

The immediate task is the Premier League opener against Burnley on Saturday. While Spurs fans will be eager to see if he starts, it’s clear that Spence is now part of the core group Postecoglou will rely on this season.

Beyond that, a full campaign in the starting XI could even put Spence back in contention for an England call-up. Gareth Southgate has shown in the past that he values full-backs who can attack as well as defend, and with Euro 2028 qualifiers on the horizon, there’s every chance Spence could find himself back on the international radar.

A Message to Young Players Everywhere

Spence’s story should resonate with young footballers. His career could have taken a completely different turn after being written off by a manager. Instead, he went on loan, learned from each experience, kept working on his game, and waited for the right opportunity.

When that opportunity finally came, he was ready — both physically and mentally. That readiness is now being rewarded with a long-term contract at one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Final Thoughts – A New Chapter Begins

Djed Spence’s impending new contract with Tottenham is more than just a feel-good story — it’s a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the power of managerial belief. From Conte’s cold shoulder to Postecoglou’s arm around the shoulder, the contrast could not be more stark.

Now, with his future secured and his confidence rebuilt, Spence has the platform to turn a comeback story into a legacy. For Tottenham fans, the hope is that this is just the beginning of a career that once seemed destined to be a cautionary tale, but is now shaping up to be a tale of redemption.