EXCLUSIVE: ESPN now reveals real reason why Leeds terminated Djed Spence loan deal as report claims player had behind-the-scene disagreement and subsequent fallout with Daniel Farke
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke fell out with Tottenham loanee Djed Spence after the defender made it clear he did not want to cover at left-back, according to ESPN.
Spence’s loan spell at Leeds was surprisingly cut short at the start of the January transfer window, before he was subsequently loaned to Genoa.
It was widely reported at the time that Farke had a confrontation with Spence at Thorp Arch, leading to the club sending him back to Tottenham [LUFCFanZone, 11 Jan].
James Olley of ESPN has now provided more of an insight into the behind-the-scenes development that led to the decision.
“Sources said that while he was polite around the training ground, there were once again issues with timekeeping and a failure to fulfil off-field club requirements,” Olley wrote in his ESPN article [16 January].
“A disagreement with Leeds boss Daniel Farke followed over his role in the team. Farke wanted Spence to cover at left-back. The player disagreed and shortly afterwards, Leeds activated a break clause in their loan agreement and Spence was sent back to Tottenham.
“Spurs were taken by surprise. [Ange] Postecoglou banished Spence to train with the Under-21s and Tottenham tried to find him another club.”
The announcement that Spence was returning to Tottenham took Leeds supporters by surprise as the defender was just beginning to find his feet at Elland Road.
Landing the 23-year-old last summer was considered a big coup of sorts as he was superb in the Championship with Nottingham Forest two seasons ago.
If this report is true, then Farke and Leeds were justified in their decision to terminate the loan deal. This squad is about the collective, rather than individuals.
Spence was used out on the left side of defence as well as on the right, but he clearly was not happy being asked to play out of position. Unfortunately for him, Archie Gray has found a home for himself at right-back.
What is surprising, though, is that Spence was billed as being a versatile player able to play in a number of positions – out wide in midfield being another – yet he was apparently not willing to do so here.
The termination of the loan move has left Farke light in that department for now, but there is still time for the issue to be addressed before the window closes.
