Micky van de Ven has been the brightest spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Tottenham.
Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 3-2 by Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium on Wednesday evening, a result which left Thomas Frank’s side sitting 14th in the Premier League.
Antoine Semenyo’s 95th-minute strike helped Bournemouth sink Spurs to their eighth defeat of the Premier League season. This sparked scenes of discontent in the away end of the Vitality Stadium. After the full-time whistle, Micky van de Ven led a few Tottenham players scrapping with the travelling fans. Footage captured the Dutch centre-back wandering over to a section of Tottenham fans sitting in the front row of the away end, apparently furious. Some stewards stepped in, circling the 24-year-old to ensure that neither he nor the fans crossed the line.
Micky van de Ven has arguably been Spurs’ best player this season. He has not only put in impressive displays at the back, but also contributed well in attack. Wednesday’s post-match antics were not the first time the defender has created headlines this season. There was a heated debate over whether he should have stayed on the pitch after making a challenge on Alexander Isak during Tottenham vs. Liverpool in December, which resulted in the Swedish striker suffering a fractured foot.
Micky van de Ven has been a consistent performer for Tottenham this season
Micky van de Ven has been a consistent performer for Tottenham this season
Micky van de Ven open to joining Barcelona in the summer
Tottenham have been planning to offer Van de Ven a new contract amid transfer links. Real Madrid have shown an interest in the Spurs star, with their boss Xabi Alonso identifying the Dutchman as a potential replacement for the injured Eder Militao. But the Lilywhites have no interest in parting ways with their defensive wall in this transfer window.
However, in a fresh development, according to a report from Spanish outlet Sport, Van de Ven wants to ‘desperately’ leave Tottenham at the end of the season. He has caught the attention of Spanish champions Barcelona, who are eyeing a left-footed centre-back in the summer.
Barcelona have added Van de Ven to their defensive shortlist, which includes Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), and Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), though the latter is right-footed. The Tottenham defender is ready to end his time in north London and would ‘welcome’ a move to Barcelona.
Barcelona have identified Tottenham star Micky van de Ven as an option to strengthen their backline in the summer
Barcelona have identified Tottenham star Micky van de Ven as an option to strengthen their backline in the summer
Real Madrid’s arch-rivals, Barcelona, appear to have entered the race for the ex-Wolfsburg man’s signature. As two of the world’s biggest clubs are on his trail, Tottenham’s key decision-makers must prioritise securing the future of Van de Ven. He possesses all the attributes required to become a top centre-back, and if all the stars align, a future legend at White Hart Lane. The north Londoners’ willingness to break their wage structure reflects how highly they value the Netherlands international.
As he has a contract until 2029, the Lilywhites find themselves in a strong position if negotiations come down to a choice between Barcelona and any top club. It will be difficult to keep hold of a big talent like Van de Ven should top clubs start showing interest. The only way in which Tottenham can retain Van de Ven’s services is by showing ambition in the transfer market and winning trophies.