Liverpool Eye Djed Spence Move Amid Defensive Concerns

Liverpool have opened the door to a move for Tottenham’s adaptable full-back Djed Spence, with the defender described as “extremely receptive” to the idea of swapping north London for Anfield – if the clubs can agree a fee in excess of £35m.

It would be a transfer that tells you plenty about where both clubs stand this summer.

Contrasting summers, converging needs

Tottenham have been busy. Six signings through the door, with more attacking firepower still on the agenda. Savinho remains the priority for the right flank, while a left winger or centre-forward is also being hunted. Cody Gakpo sits on that Spurs shortlist, a player Liverpool may be prepared to sacrifice if – and only if – a direct replacement is lined up.

Liverpool’s window has been quieter. Just two additions, one of those – Jeremy Jacquet – effectively done back in January. The squad still carries quality, but the edges are fraying in key areas. Nowhere more so than at the back.

Depth is thin. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni will not be ready for the start of the season. Joe Gomez has already suffered a muscle issue in pre-season. The alarm bells have been ringing loudly enough for Andoni Iraola to formally ask FSG for defensive reinforcements, a request first reported in late July.

That search has led them to a familiar Premier League name.

Spence on the radar – and willing

Djed Spence, the ultra-versatile Tottenham full-back, has long been admired by Liverpool’s recruitment team, as previously reported by AnfieldIndex. His profile fits the brief: comfortable on the right, capable of operating higher up, and tactically flexible enough to cope with Iraola’s aggressive demands.

Now, according to Anfield Sector, the 25-year-old would “jump at the chance” to make the move.

“Liverpool have an interest in Tottenham defender Djed Spence,” the outlet posted on X, adding that Spence is “extremely receptive” to the prospect of joining the Merseyside club. The same update underlined Iraola’s “defensive concerns around the current right-backs” and stressed that Spence is not the only option on the table, but that the interest is real, even if being played down publicly.

The information was shared in conjunction with X account @szyexcl, a handle that has built a reputation for being well connected around Tottenham. Their own post echoed the sentiment: Liverpool “hold an interest” in Spence, the player “would be very open” to the move, and Spurs would look for “at least £35m”.

Tottenham’s price, Liverpool’s dilemma

That figure is the crux of it. For Tottenham, £35m-plus represents both a valuation and a statement. Ange Postecoglou’s side are not under pressure to sell, and with their own rebuild in full swing, any departure has to fund the next phase of their squad construction.

For Liverpool, the calculation is more delicate. They know they need another defender. They know the right side, in particular, is exposed heading into a demanding season. Yet they are also juggling attacking decisions, with Gakpo’s future and the pursuit of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye at PSG all in play.

Spence would not arrive as a luxury. He would arrive as a necessity, a response to mounting injuries and a manager pushing for more options. The interest is there, the player is ready. The only question now is whether Liverpool decide this is the moment to pay Tottenham’s price and reshape their defensive line before the season starts to bite.