Liverpool will head into the summer of 2026 with the knowledge that their squad requires significant investment - again.
Last year's spending spree was supposed to set the Anfield side up for years to come, allowing Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards to apply fresh licks to a well-nourished team, but Arne Slot's side are anything but stable, anything but in sync.
The Reds have much to work on in defence, and the expectation that Ibrahima Konate will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season has exacerbated things.
How FSG must rue the failure to sign Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window. Now the England international has joined Manchester City, and Liverpool are still searching for a new centre-half.
Guehi Crystal Palace career in numbers
Liverpool targeting Premier League defender in 2026
Those in the know believe that Liverpool would have signed Guehi this month, had they made a concrete move for the 25-year-old, who had entered the final year of his deal at Selhurst Park.
That's all well and good, but Liverpool didn't sign him, and are instead short-changed for the remainder of the campaign, unless they sign an alternative.
That doesn't look likely, but FSG are gearing up for another summer spending spree, and they have earmarked a Premier League defender to join Virgil van Dijk and co.
According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has emerged as a "genuine" contender to sign for the Anfield side in 2026, discontented after several turbulent years at N17.
Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven celebrates scoring their third goal
Van de Ven is no stranger to adversity in north London, with Thomas Frank's Spurs side enduring a woeful campaign, but the Dutchman is still recognised as one of the most talented and athletic centre-backs in the game, and he is valued at a whopping £78m.
Why Liverpool want Micky van de Ven
It says something about Van de Ven's technical ability that he has retained such admiration for his talent despite playing against the backdrop of significant turmoil at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Powerful and fast-paced, the 6 foot 4 Dutchman has been dubbed “sensational” by The Athletic’s Jay Harris for his incredible running power and athleticism, and he's put in some strong defensive performances despite Spurs' struggles in the top flight this season.
Not only would the 24-year-old prove an exciting replacement for the outgoing Konate, but he may even prove himself to be a bigger talent than Guehi, going from strength to strength in a Liverpool system crying out for someone of his quality.
Indeed, peering at how he has performed for 14th-place Tottenham this season, we begin to see that Van de Ven has been a solid presence for the struggling side, still offering an offensive dimension and demonstrating crispness on the ball, also strong in the tackle.
Guehi vs Van de Ven (Premier League 25/26)
Stats (* per game)
Matches (starts)
Goals + Assists
Clean sheets
Touches*
Accurate passes*
Big chances created
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Clearances*
Ground duels (won)*
Aerial duels (won)*
Data via Sofascore
Guehi differentiates himself from the masses through his ball-playing expertise, potency as an attacking threat and composure when in possession or against the run of play. In this, Van de Ven could emulate him, having so often been a shining light in an erratic Lilywhites team.
It is worth noting that Van de Ven has left plenty to be desired from an aerial standpoint. Tottenham are 18th in the standings for aerial duel success rate, though, and the Netherlands international is struggling as part of a wider problem.
van-de-ven-spurs
Tottenham are in a rut, and it feels like much time could pass before Frank or a potential successor would get that squad up to a standard befitting someone of Van de Ven's ability.
At Liverpool, he could become a mainstay for a club who are looking to challenge for the biggest prizes over the coming years, finally realising his world-class potential in the Premier League.
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