Signing Djed Spence Almost Fulfills Tottenham Defensive Requirements

With the imminent signing of Djed Spence, Tottenham have almost fulfilled their defensive needs three weeks before the Premier League campaign commences. 

It’s yet another feather in Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici’s caps, who’ve enjoyed a wondrous off-season away from the pitch.

The Spence-to-Tottenham rumours started before the transfer window opened last month. It has always felt like a matter of when, not if. Spurs are nothing if not motivated to make a splash on the coming Premier League season. With the Spence signing, Tottenham have reinforced their backline with pieces Conte was most desirous of.

Spence is most comfortable on the right side, a perfect player for the gaffer’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.

Spence will battle Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal for the starting right wingback role. Even if he suits the role of understudy to commence his Spurs’ career, Spence has an abundance of potential. While he’s not yet the finished article, Spence is Premier League ready.

On the left side, Conte has Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic at his disposal, while Sergio Reguilon is expected to depart the club soon. Spurs would like to find a Reguilon replacement before the season starts in early August, with Villarreal left back Pervis Estupinan thought to be on Conte’s wish list.

Spurs also signed Clement Lenglet on a one-year loan from Barcelona. Lenglet is expected to provide stiff competition to Ben Davies on the left side of Spurs’ back three. If required, Davies can also shift forward and slide seamlessly into the left wingback role.

Conte is a massive proponent of Alessandro Bastoni, who recently signed an extension at Inter Milan. It was thought originally that Bastoni would represent Tottenham’s key signing of the summer. However, the Italian is happy at Inter and will stay put for at least another season.

Some believe Lenglet was signed on loan as a stopgap while Bastoni finished his time at Inter. After next season, Tottenham might want to once again pursue Bastoni, who could be more amenable to a move.

Either way, it’s been an astonishingly productive and promising summer transfer period for Spurs. As Spurs look to win a trophy and challenge for a place in the top three, let’s see how their defensive signings contribute to their main objective.