Could Liverpool hijack Inter Milan’s move for Djed Spence?
According to The Athletic, Tottenham are in talks with Inter Milan over a deal for Djed Spence, with the Serie A champions reportedly prepared to pay around €30 million (£25.6m) for the versatile defender.
A source close to the situation has reportedly indicated that Spence is keen on a move to Inter.
But if Liverpool are looking for another defender who can provide versatility and athleticism, surely this is a deal they should at least be looking at.
Why Spence makes sense for Liverpool
Spence is exactly the sort of modern full-back who could fit into an aggressive system.
He has pace.
He is powerful.
He is comfortable carrying the ball forward.
And importantly, he can operate on either side of the defence.
That versatility could be particularly useful for Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool are going to be expected to play with intensity and push their full-backs high up the pitch, and Spence has the physical attributes to play that sort of football.
Liverpool need defensive depth
This is perhaps the biggest reason why the idea is worth considering.
Liverpool’s defence has already undergone significant changes this summer.
Ronald Araújo has arrived on loan, while young defenders such as Giovanni Leoni and Jérémy Jacquet are being brought into the picture.
But the season is long.
Liverpool will be competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic competitions.
Injuries are inevitable.
And Iraola needs options.
Spence could provide cover at right-back and left-back while also giving the manager another physically capable defender.
£25.6m isn’t an outrageous price
This is where the potential Inter deal becomes particularly interesting.
£25.6 million is certainly a significant amount of money, but in the current Premier League market it isn’t an outrageous fee for a 25-year-old defender with Premier League experience.
Liverpool have already demonstrated this summer that they are prepared to spend serious money when they believe the right player is available.
If the Reds genuinely believe Spence can become an important part of Iraola’s squad, this could represent an opportunity.
Especially if Inter are able to get the deal done for around that figure.
Could he play in Iraola’s system?
This is the biggest footballing question.
Iraola’s football demands a lot from his wide defenders.
They need to be able to contribute going forward but also recover quickly when possession is lost.
Spence’s athleticism could make him well suited to that.
He could potentially provide an alternative to Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, while also giving Liverpool another option on the left.
That flexibility could become incredibly valuable across a long campaign.
But would Spence actually want Liverpool?
That’s where things get complicated.
The report suggests Spence is keen on joining Inter.
If that is his preferred destination, Liverpool would have to convince him that Anfield is the better option.
And Inter have obvious attractions.
They are Champions League regulars, have a strong reputation in European football and could offer Spence an important role.
Liverpool would have to make a compelling argument.
Is this actually a position Liverpool need to strengthen?
Perhaps.
Liverpool already have Frimpong and Conor Bradley competing for the right-back position, while Milos Kerkez provides another option on the left.
But we’ve seen how quickly defensive depth can disappear when injuries hit.
And with Iraola’s high-intensity football, there could be even greater physical demands placed on Liverpool’s full-backs.
Having another versatile option wouldn’t be a bad thing.
The question Liverpool should be asking
Liverpool don’t necessarily need to sign Djed Spence.
But if Inter are genuinely going to acquire him for around £25.6m, I think Liverpool should at least be asking themselves:
Could he make our squad better?
For me, the answer is potentially yes.
He’s experienced.
He’s athletic.
He’s versatile.
He’s entering the prime years of his career.
And he could provide competition across both full-back positions.
Should Liverpool hijack the deal?
This would certainly be an interesting one.
Inter appear to be moving.
Spence reportedly wants the move.
Tottenham are negotiating.
But until the deal is signed, there is still an opportunity for another club to make its move.
And if Liverpool are serious about strengthening Iraola’s defence, why not take a look?
At around £25.6m, Djed Spence could be an interesting addition to this Liverpool squad.
Maybe Inter get their man.
Maybe Liverpool decide they don’t need him.
But if the Reds are looking for another versatile, athletic defender to add depth to Iraola’s squad, this is a deal I wouldn’t be completely against hijacking.
Liverpool should at least make the phone call.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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