Former Middlesbrough youngster Djed Spence is wanted by Italian top-division side Genoa this summer window, according to a report by Fabrizio Romano on X.
Spence joined the European side on a loan deal in January from parent club Tottenham Hotspur. Making 16 Serie A appearances, the wing-back helped his side secure an 11th-place finish and therefore seems to have impressed enough for the club’s hierarchy to want to make the deal permanent.
This was not the 23-year-old’s first loan move of the season, as he spent the first half of the campaign in the Championship with Leeds United. However, that move was not as successful as either the player or either club would have hoped, as he only made seven appearances.
Having started his career at Fulham, the London-born defender chose to move north to the Riverside to continue his development in their setup. Although he made 70 appearances across three seasons with Th Boro, the club decided to allow their asset a loan move to fellow second-tier outfit Nottingham Forest for the 2021-22 campaign.
That season saw Forest conquer the Championship play-offs and earn promotion back to the Premier League, as well as a historic FA Cup run. The play style that was deployed at The City Ground suited Spence perfectly, and his seven-goal contributions throughout the season show that.
Off the back of his impressive spell in the East Midlands, Spurs bought Spence for a reported £13 million, however, the London club are now seemingly looking to cut their losses after he has failed to make any serious impact. If Genoa do make the move, they will be hoping that they can help the player re-find his form that originally earned him that move.
Writer’s View
Spence’s career has not progressed has he would’ve likely wanted following his time at Forest. However, this move could be exactly what he needs to get back on track. With Alberto Gilardino clearly putting faith in the Englishman he could be exactly what the Italian side need to push for a European spot next season.
If this move does not materialise, it could quickly become of interest to some Championship sides, as there is little doubt that he would still be able to perform in the division, if a team’s style suits him.
