Djed Spence completed his protracted move to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week.
But Spurs boss Antonio Conte has suggested that the signing of the wing-back was one made by the club and not necessarily him. The deal that sees Spence arrive from Championship side Middlesbrough could eventually be worth £20million, once you include add-ons and when certain criteria have been met.
Spence became Spurs' sixth summer signing after clinching a place in next season's Champions League. He joins the likes of Ivan Perisic and Richarlison in what is an exciting looking squad being put together by the Italian. But on the subject of his latest arrival, Conte said: "Spence is an investment of the club.
“The club wanted to do it. I said okay, this player is young but he showed he can become a good, important player for us. The club decided to buy him. The club was very clear with me and said we reached an important achievement and … now we want to continue to grow. To grow together with ambition.
“For the club, it has not been simple to go into the transfer market and sign players for free — like (Ivan) Perisic and (Fraser) Forster — and sign players on loan — like (Clement) Lenglet — and sign players with money — like Richarlison and (Yves) Bissouma and Spence.”
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The wing-back has earned the move off the back of superb performances last season whilst on loan at Nottingham Forest. He played a starring role in their unlikely promotion, culminating in the play-off final win over Huddersfield at Wembley in May. Intriguingly upon his transfer to Tottenham being rubber-stamped he chose to single out Forest, and not his parent club Boro, for praise.
He wrote: "Nottingham Forest (love heart emoji). What a massive club, what a team & what special fans. We came from the bottom & made it all the way to the top. We turned dreams into reality and I can’t thank you all enough for the special journey we all shared together (firecracker emoji). Once a Red always a Red."
Speaking after his unveiling, Spence told Spurs' website: "To play in the Premier League and for a big club like Tottenham, it's a dream come true.
"I'm thankful I'm here and I've got the opportunity to play for the club. It's a privilege to be here. I can't wait to meet the players, the staff and obviously the manager and train with the team. I'm a very chilled character, I'm very humble. Everything's about football with me, I've dedicated my whole life to it. I'll bring excitement, skill, speed. I just want to excite the fans and play well."
He won't have long to wait until a reunion with Forest, with Spurs set to travel to the City Ground on August 28.
