Report: Liverpool could reignite interest in England World Cup star

Report: Liverpool could reignite interest in England World Cup star Liverpool monitoring Djed Spence as defensive rebuild continues under Andoni Iraola Liverpool are exploring defensive options again this summer, with Djed Spence among the names being watched as the club reshapes its back line. According to Anfield Watch , the Reds remain interested in the Tottenham full-back, a player they have tracked for some time and whose profile increasingly fits the current market conditions at Anfield. This is a squad in transition. Iraola has now begun work in public as Liverpool head coach, and recruitment decisions are accelerating around him. With major exits already affecting the shape and experience of the group, attention has naturally turned to areas that require depth, durability and tactical flexibility. Full-back looks one of them. The original report states that Liverpool are “keeping an eye on a full-back that they’ve wanted to sign since 2023”. That line matters because it frames this less as a fresh reaction and more as a long-running piece of background work. Clubs often revisit names when timing changes, and Spence appears to sit squarely in that category. Djed Spence remains on Liverpool shortlist The key detail from the report is clear, “Liverpool have wanted Djed Spence since 2023 and are continuing to keep an eye on him this summer”. That interest is said to date back to scouting work undertaken when Liverpool were watching other talent in France, with Spence catching the eye during his spell at Rennes. As reported, Liverpool “have kept a close eye on Tottenham’s Djed Spence since he played for Rennes”. It adds that their interest “has never escalated to the bid” but that the club have “always kept tabs on him and are always on the lookout for any market opportunities that may arise”. That is often how deals are built. A player enters the database for one reason, performs well in a separate context, and remains under observation until the right combination of price, availability and squad need emerges. In Spence’s case, there are several football reasons why the file would stay active. Why Spence appeals in current transfer market Liverpool’s need is practical as much as strategic. The report describes defence as “one of their main problem areas”, while also pointing to injury concerns and uncertainty around how quickly younger options can take on senior responsibility. In that context, a player capable of covering multiple roles carries obvious appeal. Spence has developed into a dependable option across the defensive line. While naturally a right-back, he has also operated on the left, and that versatility is specifically highlighted in the source piece. The report says, “This versatility, coupled with the fact that he’s homegrown makes him an ideal player for Liverpool to target this summer.” Homegrown status is increasingly important when clubs are balancing registration rules alongside quality and value. Liverpool are thought to be lighter in that category than ideal, so a player who can strengthen the squad while helping solve that administrative issue has added appeal. There is also the wider market picture. Spurs have spent heavily, and the report suggests that “one of their star men may need to be sacrificed for PSR reasons”. If that scenario unfolds, Liverpool would be expected to examine whether a long-term target could become attainable at the right figure. World Cup form and Tottenham stance could shape any deal Spence’s recent performances have only sharpened interest. The report notes that the “Englishman has been one of Thomas Tuchel’s most-used players in the 2026 World Cup” and that he was “unlucky to not have won England a penalty in their 2-1 victory over Hungary”. Tournament football can change perception quickly, and good displays on that stage rarely make a player cheaper. That is why the valuation piece remains important. Anfield Watch notes that “it’s unclear how much a deal could end up costing and whether Roberto de Zerbi would even allow him to leave”. That uncertainty is significant. Liverpool may like the player, but admiration alone does not complete a transfer, particularly when the selling club may prefer to keep him. Photo: IMAGO Even so, this is one to watch because it has the hallmarks of a sensible Premier League move, established scouting, positional need, homegrown value, top-level experience and possible market opportunity. None of that guarantees a formal approach, but it explains why Spence continues to sit in Liverpool’s thinking. Our View From a Liverpool fan perspective, this is the sort of link that feels believable. Djed Spence may not be the glamorous headline name supporters dream about, but he looks like the kind of practical signing good squads need. If the club are genuinely entering another defensive rebuild, then availability, adaptability and athleticism matter almost as much as star quality. The homegrown point stands out too. Liverpool cannot keep ignoring squad balance, especially when so many moving parts are involved this summer. A player who can cover both full-back positions and already knows the pace and demands of the Premier League would reduce risk. There will be understandable debate over whether Spence is good enough to start every week for a title-chasing side. That is fair. Yet not every signing has to arrive as a guaranteed superstar. Sometimes the smartest business is adding a player who raises the floor of the squad, gives the coach tactical options and allows resources to be focused elsewhere. If Tottenham’s PSR position really creates an opening, Liverpool should be ready. This feels like a deal that could move quickly if circumstances change. Supporters will want bigger names in some positions, but as part of a broader rebuild, Spence makes a lot of sense.