Tottenham Hotspur are mired in a deepening crisis, sitting 16th in the Premier League table with just a one-point cushion above the relegation zone, according to multiple reports. The club have lost four consecutive matches under interim manager Igor Tudor, who took over after the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou. Their woes were compounded by a 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, leaving their European hopes hanging by a thread. The poor run of form has sparked speculation that several key players could depart in the summer, with Dutch defender Micky van de Ven emerging as a prime target for rival clubs.
Van de Ven joined Tottenham from Wolfsburg in 2023 for a fee of £43 million, as reported by multiple sources. The 23-year-old centre-back quickly established himself as a regular starter, known for his exceptional pace and one-on-one defending. However, Tottenham's precarious league position has cast doubt on his future at the club, with relegation potentially forcing a fire sale of assets. Van de Ven's contract runs until 2028, but a relegation clause could allow him to leave for a reduced fee, making him an attractive option for top clubs.
It looks that way.
Liverpool are among the clubs monitoring Van de Ven's situation. Former Liverpool player Jason McAteer, speaking to Metro - Main, suggested that the Reds could sign the defender on the cheap if Tottenham are relegated. According to Metro - Main, McAteer described how Liverpool missed out on Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City, and noted that Van de Ven could become available at a reduced price. Tim Sherwood, the former Tottenham manager, also believes Van de Ven would be a suitable target for Liverpool, according to multiple reports. However, not all pundits are convinced. Dean Saunders, a former Liverpool striker, advised against signing Van de Ven, questioning his football brain. According to Daily Mirror - Football, Saunders described Van de Ven as lightning quick but lacking the intelligence to be a top defender, comparing him unfavourably to Rio Ferdinand. Saunders argued that Van de Ven's positioning and decision-making are suspect, which could be exposed at a club like Liverpool.
Chelsea are also in the race for Van de Ven. Former Chelsea player Joe Cole, speaking to Metro - Main, described Van de Ven as a 'brilliant addition' for the Blues, praising his pace and one-on-one ability, which would suit Chelsea's high defensive line. According to Metro - Main, Cole described Van de Ven as a brilliant defender who would fit Chelsea's system. Chelsea have been searching for a long-term partner for Levi Colwill, and Van de Ven's profile fits their needs. Meanwhile, journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking to Metro - Main, provided insight into Van de Ven's preferences. According to Metro - Main, Jacobs described that Van de Ven would prefer a move to Liverpool over Manchester United if both clubs enter the race, citing his admiration for Virgil van Dijk and his family's Liverpool support. This preference could give Liverpool an edge in negotiations.
They missed out on Marc Guehi in the summer, and I was a little bit surprised that they let it go to the winter window to try and do the business. You always bring competition in then; other teams are looking for players in that position, and City have got there before Liverpool. I think they missed out on one there. Leoni came in at the start of the season; obviously, he picked up the really bad injury, which has set him back, and we brought in Jacquet as well. I know he's not coming until next season, but he is quality, and they have spent a lot of money on him. He will be looking at playing in the team, but they do need another centre-half. There are a couple out there, but Micky van de Ven seems to be [on the market]. It will be interesting to see how it develops at Tottenham because if they do go down, they will be looking to offload players, and Liverpool might nick him for a little bit cheaper.
Liverpool's interest in Van de Ven comes after they missed out on Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City in the summer, as reported by multiple sources. The Reds have been in the market for a centre-back following injuries to Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip, and Van de Ven is seen as a long-term option. According to Ben Jacobs, speaking to Metro - Main, if Tottenham stay up, Cristian Romero is still likely to leave, and Van de Ven may extend his contract after the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi. However, if Tottenham are relegated, Van de Ven will almost certainly leave, with Liverpool and Chelsea leading the chase. Manchester United are also monitoring the situation, but Van de Ven's preference for Liverpool could complicate their pursuit. The uncertainty surrounding Tottenham's future and Van de Ven's next move leaves several questions unanswered. Will Tottenham avoid relegation? Will Van de Ven leave regardless of the club's fate? Which club will make a formal approach? And what is Van de Ven's personal preference among the interested clubs? The answers will shape the summer transfer window.
Micky van de Ven from Tottenham. I think he's looking like he wants to leave and I think he would be a brilliant addition for Chelsea. They want to play that high line and you need a defender with pace and, you know, a good one-on-one defender. He's brilliant.
If Spurs go down, Van de Ven will almost certainly leave, if Tottenham stay up, it's a slightly different situation because Cristian Romero is still likely to leave and Van de Ven may be harder to get. I'm told by Tottenham sources, if Spurs stay up Romero is still likely to leave and better chance now of Van de Ven extending at Tottenham than going after the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi. He is someone Man United are keeping an eye on. There has been no approach to Spurs and as of now there has been zero approach to the player side from Manchester United. Liverpool are also in the market for another defender as well. Liverpool, like Man United, it's more an internal conversation but the bad news for Man United on Micky van de Ven is if, and it is an 'if', Liverpool enter the race, Van de Ven is only making one decision between Liverpool and Manchester United, and he is picking Liverpool. And I say that with absolute confidence, if both clubs were to enter the race, Van de Ven's preference would be Liverpool over Manchester United. He would be linking up with Virgil van Dijk, Van Dijk will be going in a season because his contract expires, he knows Van Dijk, he has the opportunity to partner Van Dijk and then move over to the left side and he is also a Liverpool fan in terms of him and his family. If Liverpool enter the race, it would be bad news for all suitors.