DJED SPENCE could easily be in Serie A with Genoa instead of with Tottenham in Bilbao tomorrow.
The defender’s form has been one of a very few highlights in what has been a tough season for Spurs away from their Europa League run.
And Genoa sporting director Marco Ottolini revealed he wanted to get Spence on a permanent deal after he spent the second half of last season on loan there.
Spence had a torrid spell at Leeds until January 2024 but was a big hit in Italy.
Ottolini said “We were looking for a right-back or wing-back and noticed Djed was not having a good time at Leeds.
“I had known him since 2016 when I saw him in an under-21s game between Fulham and Reading.
“I was working for Anderlecht at the time.
“But you always take notice of these players and you end up following their career.
“I was convinced he had the technical skills to stand out in Serie A.
“We gave Djed the right environment and wanted him to feel at home.
“I think he had a lack of confidence and he needed someone he trusted.”
But Ottolini was frustrated at not sealing a deal last summer and seeing Spence, 24, end up a crucial part of Ange Postocoglou’s injury-hit squad, making 25 appearances in all competitions.
Ottolini said: “We tried to sign him but for financial reasons we could not do it. I think we could have signed him for £6.7million from Spurs but his salary was heavy.
“We had a few things going on with the ownership that summer and we could just not do it. So we sent him back to England — and look at him now.”
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