Liverpool need to strengthen their backline during the 2026 summer transfer window.
Jamie Carragher wanted another defender signed in January alongside Jeremy Jacquet, who is not joining until the summer.
However, no deal came to pass, and it’s now likely the backline will undergo some big changes later this year.
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Cody Gakpo pictured in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Elland Road.
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At present, Ibrahima Konate is due to become a free agent at the end of June 2026, while there have been suggestions that Joe Gomez could leave.
One potential option mooted as a centre-back addition this season is Micky van de Ven.
Micky van de Ven may now be more open to staying at Tottenham
Liverpool have held an interest in Van de Ven for some time now.
Meanwhile, it emerged this week that the Reds could move for the Dutchman as a replacement for Konate if and when he departs.
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However, the sacking of Spurs manager Thomas Frank on Wednesday could throw a spanner in the works.
It was reported by Ben Jacobs last month that Van de Ven was delaying contract talks with Tottenham.
He outlined a number of reasons for this at the time, saying: “Van de Ven is going to wait and see how this Spurs project runs before determining whether he is or isn’t going to engage in talks surrounding an extension.
“Tottenham would love him to extend and put an end to any speculation, but he’s going to wait and see for things like do Tottenham get Champions League, how far will they go in the Champions League this season, what’s going to happen with Thomas Frank.”
Van de Ven waiting to see what happens with the Spurs project and Frank are especially bad lines for Liverpool.
The Dane has now been dismissed and Tottenham’s search for a new manager will now be underway.
In turn, it could be the case that Van de Ven does a U-turn on negotiations and is now more open to speaking with the Lilywhites about fresh terms, given Frank’s presence was clearly a sticking point for the stopper.
Of course, Van de Ven may not like who Spurs replace the manager with, but it’s not an ideal situation for Liverpool, who would have likely benefited a lot more had Frank been kept in his post for the remainder of the season.
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Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet
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Liverpool have one trump card in Micky van de Ven pursuit
However, there is one advantage Liverpool may have over Tottenham when it comes to his future.
Amid talk Liverpool wanted Van de Ven a few years ago, the Dutchman revealed he was a big fan of Virgil van Dijk.
In 2023, he said: “I think Virgil [Van Dijk] was the last couple of years and this year also one of the best defenders in the Premier League, for sure,” he said.
“The year they grabbed the title he was unbelievable and showed how important he is for Liverpool. He shows how important he is the last couple of years.”
Similarly, Jacobs also mentioned how the player and his family were fans of the Reds: “Van de Ven and his family have already put it out there in previous interviews that Liverpool was the club they watched growing up and that is where the affiliation is,” he said.
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