Tottenham star’s future ‘uncertain’ after failing to impress Conte, despite having huge potential

Tottenham Hotspur loanee Djed Spence’s future is in doubt if Antonio Conte remains as the club’s manager, according to a Sky Sports pundit. 

The summer signing from Middlesborough played just five times in the Premier League for Spurs this season, before jetting off to Rennes for the remainder of the campaign.

Now, it is believed that he could leave the London club permanently in the summer, after failing to convince Conte of his abilities.

This is according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson, who dubs his time in London as ‘a strange one.’

Speaking to Football Insider, he said:: “I do not know if he has a future at Spurs. It is uncertain. He has not been near starting place. It has been a strange one.

“If Antonio Conte stays I cannot see Djed Spence staying. The manager’s contract is up at the end of the season though.

“Spence’s future is probably dependent on who is the manager. The current manager is clearly not a fan.”

Fellow right-back Matt Doherty left the club for Atletico Madrid in January, following the arrival of Pedro Porro from Sporting, who is now likely to be Conte’s first choice ahead of Emerson Royal.

Spence has shown glimpses of brilliance in the past, but he may find it difficult to find a regular spot in Spurs’ squad next season, hence the speculation.

Spence could still succeed at Spurs if given the chance

Despite his lack of playing time, Conte has previously praised the 22-year-old for his application and attitude in training, so the Italian sees something in him.

Last season, Spence was a stalwart in defence while on loan at Nottingham Forest, helping them to secure a return to the top flight for the first time since 1999.

Overall, he featured 39 times for the Tricky Trees in the Championship, scoring two goals and making five assists.

On his day, Spence is a solid defender, with the pace and energy to play as a wing-back and get effective balls into the box.

However, the fact that he couldn’t get into Spurs’ team ahead of Emerson suggests that he is not yet at the level required for the Premier League.

But, he is still a young player, so if he can impress in France, he may yet get another chance with the London club, although that would probably be more likely under a new manager.

He made his debut for Rennes on Saturday in a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Lille but did show flashes of his capabilities.

With his Tottenham future ‘on standby,’ it’s likely he would receive interest from a number of European clubs next summer, so Spence still has the potential to have a successful career.

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