Liverpool’s to-do list is ever growing.
Michael Edwards, the CEO of Football for FSG, announced his departure last week, forcing the club to reshuffle a few things while Richard Hughes, the current Sporting Director for the Reds, is set to leave after the transfer window comes to a close. In some capacity, two key roles will need to be filled. And that comes just weeks after the 2024/25 Premier League champions sacked Arne Slot and replaced him with former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
There’s not just a lot going on behind the scenes. Ibrahima Konate, Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah all left on free transfers while there are doubts over the futures of Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister right now too. The Reds have brought in Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz but failed to land Yan Diomande. The rejection from the RB Leipzig winger has left Liverpool with a lot to do in attack. He was their main priority and their summer business appeared to be contingent on landing the 19-year-old.
The club are now having to react to this setback and, as of yet, they’re yet to make their hand known. However, the six time champions of Europe are always on the lookout for market opportunities. And one might be about to fall into their lap.
Djed Spence was a surprise inclusion in the World Cup squad for England but he’s certainly made an impression for Thomas Tuchel’s side this summer. Liverpool are in need of full-back reinforcements and the overhaul being undertaken by Spurs might see Spence sacrificed.
Market Opportunity
Tottenham Hotspur have gone big this summer. They’ve already spent over £200million on Jean-Paul Van Hecke, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. They have added Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers and they’re still in the market for attackers, according to reports.
Their defensive rebuild isn’t done yet either despite adding three new faces. Neco Williams is on the club’s radar and he seems to be a like-for-like Spence replacement, capable of playing on both flanks.
With Pedro Porro signing a new long-term deal and Destiny Udogie a key cog in Roberto De Zerbi’s system, Spence isn’t first choice for Spurs. Robertson is a left-back too by trade so where does this leave the England international in the pecking order?
Spence could well depart and Liverpool could well swoop.
Ticking a box for Andoni Iraola
In his first press conference as Liverpool manager, Iraola talked about needing squad depth to compete across all competitions. Right now, the Reds don’t have that.
Spence would be a solution. His versatility provides depth on both flanks. It is an invaluable trait to have in the current market and makes squad building a little easier.
The Merseyside club need right-back cover with Jeremie Frimpong suffering multiple injuries last term and Conor Bradley being ruled out until the new year.
While the majority of his minutes for Spurs over the last two seasons have come on the left, he can and has played right-back. He’s of a similar profile to Frimpong – an aggressive, quick, ball-carrying full-back who would probably suit a wing-back role better. The fact the club have missed out on Diomande means they’re in need of a one-on-one player on the right and Spence could tick that box, albeit from a deeper position.
He’s also capable of providing cover for Milos Kerkez on the left. Yes, the club still have Kostas Tsimikas but if they wanted to sell the Greek international to free up space in the squad, Spence could act as relief on both flanks.
During his time at Bournemouth, Iraola used players in different roles if he felt it played to their strengths. He’d take Spence and use him in various ways to benefit the team. On paper, it’s a match made in heaven.
Liverpool need Spence
There’s no point ignoring the elephant in the room.
Liverpool need someone like Djed Spence. He’s homegrown, for starters. He’s versatile, as detailed above. He’s explosively quick and the Reds lacked serious pace across their team last term.
Tuchel has used him as an impact sub for England at the World Cup. His high energy has helped the Three Lions defend from the front as well as dig in deep when required. His speed could make him a high press cheat code in a transitional side and even if he’s nothing more than a bench player, they’re going to be valuable to Liverpool next term if Iraola looks to replicate his high energy Bournemouth style at Anfield.
