Why does De Zerbi want Spence at Spurs?

De Zerbi values Spence's pace and attacking instincts, seeing him as a mouldable wing-back who can fit his system with targeted coaching and minutes.

Is it better for Spence to stay or go on loan?

Stay if Spurs provide a clear development plan and realistic playing time; otherwise a quality loan that guarantees minutes is the safer choice for progress.

How likely is Spence to get game time under De Zerbi?

Game time depends on form and competition, but De Zerbi has shown willingness to use dynamic full-backs, so an integrated rotation role is plausible if Spence commits.

De Zerbi’s Pitch: Convince, Cultivate, Keep — The Case for Spence at Spurs

Roberto De Zerbi has made his preference plain: he wants Djed Spence available in the Tottenham squad rather than shipped back out on loan. Spence's raw attributes—pace, directness and attacking instinct—fit the profile De Zerbi prizes, but his career has been punctuated by stops and starts that demand a focused plan. The manager sees talent to be moulded, not merely a temporary solution.

Tactically, De Zerbi's system requires wing-backs who can attack with intent and learn defensive positioning quickly; this is precisely where Spence can both help and grow. Competition at Spurs is real, but De Zerbi has a history of trusting explosive full-backs and sharpening their decision-making. That tactical compatibility gives De Zerbi leverage in convincing both player and agents that staying offers immediate and long-term rewards.

Off the field, squad management and market value are in play: retaining and refining Spence protects an asset while offering squad depth without a transfer outlay. Expect the club hierarchy and coaching staff to craft a concrete development promise—clear minutes targets, tailored coaching and staged responsibilities—to counter outside offers. The negotiation is therefore a mixture of sporting argument and pragmatic career planning.

The Guru’s verdict is blunt: De Zerbi will push hard and Spence should accept the test. If Spurs back the player with a transparent plan and realistic minutes, staying gives him the clearest path to becoming a Premier League starter; if that plan is absent, a high-quality loan is the fallback. My money is on Spence remaining at Tottenham to fight for a role and emerge a better, more tactical wing-back.