Everton Receive Boost In Signing £40m Defender: Why Is It A Big Risk? | OneFootball

Transfer windows thrive on the domino effect. One move triggers another, a sudden phone call reshapes two squads at once, and suddenly a frozen deal thaws out. Goodison Park might be about to benefit from exactly that kind of chain reaction. Tottenham full-back Djed Spence is firmly on the radar, and the key to unlocking his signature sits in north London.

Everton handed major Spurs transfer boost in race for England defender Djed Spence

According to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, via Transfer Feed, the whole situation hinges on Spurs completing a deal for Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams. Speak to Wyness, and the picture becomes clear. If that deal crosses the line, Spence gets the green light to head to Merseyside.

Wyness ran things at Goodison between 2004 and 2009. He understands the mechanics of these negotiations. Now running a football consultancy advising elite teams, he can see a transfer chain taking shape. He believes Spurs might change their mind about whether they even need to fill the position, and that Spence himself looks ready for a fresh start somewhere else.

Spurs want Williams. That is the catalyst. Wyness thinks that if that specific piece falls into place, Spence will arrive at Everton at some stage this summer. It makes perfect sense. Football is transactional. One comes in, another departs. Tottenham are playing hardball over the fee, though. Separate reports show they want at least £40m to let him walk. Spence is locked into a contract until June 2029, meaning Peter Carrington holds all the leverage. Everton will have to find serious cash to get Tottenham to the negotiating table.

Factoring in the right-back crisis at Goodison

David Moyes has a massive problem to solve. Seamus Coleman has departed. The right-back slot is empty, exposed, and glaringly vulnerable. Anyone watching the back line last season could see the gap. Spence offers something Moyes loves: Versatility. He can play on the right or slot into the left-back role. He gives options. Managers crave that flexibility during a tough Premier League campaign.

Look at the data from last season. Spence played 30 times in the league for Tottenham. He started 23 matches. He racked up over 2,000 minutes on the pitch. The attacking return? Zero goals. Zero assists. For a modern full-back, those numbers look incredibly bare.

Analysing the £40m gamble: T4O Take

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 18: Djed Spence #25 of England reacts after fouled by Malo Gusto #2 (not pictured) of France in the penalty box resulting a penalty kick awarded to England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England at Miami Stadium on July 18, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Defensively, his output was decent in a chaotic Roberto De Zerbi system and his predecessor’s. He managed nearly two tackles per 90 minutes. He added a few interceptions and over two clearances per game. Respectable, sure. But he never looked like an undisputed starter. He spent large chunks of the year failing to nail down his spot.

Then came the World Cup. Spence’s performances for England suddenly inflated his reputation. Tournament football does that. It warps valuations. A few good weeks in the international spotlight, and the price tag skyrockets. £40m is serious money. Too much money for Everton to throw around carelessly right now. Efficiency must drive the budget. If the price drops to £25m, the logic works. At £40m, it looks like a deal that only benefits the seller.

New ownership means Everton should show real ambition. They need players who produce in both boxes consistently. Spence did not deliver going forward last season. Rebuilding a squad requires guaranteed quality, not expensive punts based on tournament hype. Overpaying for a backup player from a top-six rival rarely ends well.