Not two weeks ago, Djed Spence was seemingly close to a low-money permanent move to Genoa, where he spent last season on loan. Now, on the backs of two strong performances in preseason, he looks like he’s on the plane to Asia next week.
According to Alasdair Gold, Spence is very likely to be included as part of Tottenham Hotspur’s touring squad as they head to Japan and South Korea for three preseason matches against Vissel Kobe, Bayern Munich, and the K-League All-Stars.
Spence has been working hard behind the scenes and that application as well as a lack of available defenders means the 23-year-old is currently expected to head on the tour to Asia, barring a late change in his circumstances.
— Alasdair Gold, Football.London
Djed broke through in Spurs’ opening preseason match against Heart of Midlothian in Edinburgh last week, contributing a goal and an assist, and excelling as an Ange-Ball inverted right fullback. Yesterday, against stiffer Championship competition at QPR, Spence’s second half performance wasn’t as impactful, but he didn’t look at all out of place.
Now, getting included in the touring squad doesn’t necessarily mean much. Gold qualifies the hell out of the decision to include him by using the phrase “as well as a lack of available defenders” and that’s fair. Could be this is as much about improving Djed’s stock and creating a market for him after the Genoa deal collapsed.
But what if it isn’t? Spence is still only 23, and the knock on him has always been his attitude and not his ability. And it’s not like he hasn’t been treated poorly at Spurs — Antonio Conte clearly never wanted him and he’s been tarred with the “club signing” label ever since. I’d be a bit salty about that too. I have seen reports that he had a meeting with Ange Postecoglou to “clear the air” over his situation and no matter what ends up happening, his best chance to get a positive outcome this season is to take his chances in preseason and play some good football to get noticed, whether that comes from Big Ange or another club.
I love a good redemption arc and there’s part of me that would love it if the exciting young backup to Pedro Porro that Spurs need in the wake of Emerson Royal’s (eventual) departure could be a guy we already have on our books. But even it Djed Spence isn’t the guy, he’s already managed to improve his standing within the club after two preseason matches. That can only help lead to a good outcome for him and for Spurs.
Tottenham leave for their trip to Asia on Monday, and the club will likely release the full traveling roster soon. We’ll post it as soon as we hear it.