Juventus Dream of Snagging Spurs' Spence: Genoa Old Boys Reunite?
Juventus are reportedly eyeing Tottenham's Djed Spence for a summer move, linked through sporting director Marco Ottolini from their Genoa days. The £30m-rated right-back joins Michael Kayode and Zeki Celik on the Bianconeri's full-back wishlist amid Spurs' relegation scrap. No talks yet, but player sales like Pierre Kalulu could pave the way.
Juventus Dream of Snagging Spurs' Spence: Genoa Old Boys Reunite?
Picture this: Djed Spence bombing down the right flank for Tottenham, linking up with the likes of Micky van de Ven and Richarlison in a Champions League thriller against Copenhagen. Fast-forward to now, and Italian whispers suggest Juventus have their eyes on the speedy Englishman as they hunt for full-back reinforcements. As reported by Peter Young at Football Italia, the Bianconeri are compiling a wishlist, and Spence is right up there.
It's the kind of transfer rumour that gets you chuckling over a pint – Spurs, currently flirting with relegation, offloading a talent who's shone in patches? Juventus, perennial rebuilders, linking up with a chap who knows their new sporting director from sunnier times in Genoa?
Turin’s Full-Back Frenzy
La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon full-back is priority numero uno for the Old Lady come summer. They've been sniffing around Michael Kayode at Brentford and Roma's Zeki Celik, who's tantalisingly close to free agency. But enter stage left: Djed Spence, the three-cap England international who could slot in like a glove.
The connection? Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini, who shipped Spence to Genoa on loan back in early 2024 – option to buy and all. That was around the same time Radu Dragusin hotfooted it to north London. Spence didn't set the Serie A world alight with 16 appearances, but he showed glimpses of that raw pace and attacking verve that made him a Championship standout at Nottingham Forest.
No smoke without fire, eh? Sources say no formal chats yet, but Juve would need to flash around €30m to prise him from Spurs' grasp. That's the same ballpark for Kayode, mind – not pocket change for a club that's had to tighten the belt after recent woes.
Spence’s Rollercoaster Ride
Let's not forget where Spence has been. After exploding onto the scene with Middlesbrough, he joined Spurs in 2022 amid sky-high hopes. But game time? Scarcer than a Gary Lineker goal drought. Loans to Leeds and that Genoa stint kept him ticking over, and now, under pressure at Tottenham – who looked shaky even in a recent draw at Everton – he's pushing for more minutes.
At 22, he's got the tools: electric pace, solid tackling, and bags of crossing quality. Imagine him feeding Kenan Yıldız or Teun Koopmeiners in Turin? It'd be like reuniting with an old Genoa mate over espresso, plotting crosses instead of pasta.
Spurs' defence has leaked like a sieve this season, and with relegation shadows looming, cashing in on peripherals makes grim sense. Spence's recent Champions League cameos – celebrating that Van de Ven screamer against Copenhagen – hint he's ready for a big move.
The Price Tag and Posh Sacrifices
€30m sounds steep for a full-back, especially when Juventus have Pierre Kalulu warming the bench. Gazzetta hints the French defender might be the sacrificial lamb, shipped out to fund the spree. It's classic Juve: one in, one out, keeping the books balanced amid FFP headaches.
Could this happen? Spurs might bite if relegation bites harder. For Spence, Serie A redux offers stability and a shot at silverware – Turin over Tottenham's turmoil? No brainer. But let's not get carried away; these rumours swirl faster than a Pirlo free-kick.
Keep your eyes peeled, lads. If Ottolini pulls strings like he did in Genoa, we might see Spence in black and white next season. Fancy a wager over that pint?