Image Credits: Imago Images
Earlier this year, the Daily Mail reported that Liverpool hold an interest in Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven.
Their admiration for the Dutchman is hardly new; it feels more like unfinished business than a sudden transfer brainstorm. Van de Ven first appeared on Liverpool’s radar during his breakout spell at Wolfsburg, when then‑sporting director Jörg Schmadtke is said to have highlighted him to the Anfield recruitment team.
On that occasion, Liverpool opted to strengthen elsewhere, allowing Spurs to swoop in with a package believed to be worth up to £43m and a long‑term deal running to 2029. That might have closed the door, but Van de Ven has never drifted far from Liverpool’s thoughts. This year he has again been described as a “long‑term target”, back on the shortlist as the club
Adding fuel to the story, former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou revealed on The Overlap last week that Liverpool “were in” for the 24‑year‑old during Jürgen Klopp’s final summer in charge.
However, reports from Spain suggest Liverpool will not have a free run at Van de Ven, with Barcelona now pushing hard to bring the Dutchman to Camp Nou.
Diario Sport claim sporting director Deco and Hansi Flick have made a left-footed centre-back one of their top priorities and, with Inter digging their heels in over Alessandro Bastoni, Van de Ven has shot up the list as a leading alternative.
Barça scouts are said to have filed glowing reports on his pace, versatility and ability to operate both centrally and at left-back, and there is a belief the 24-year-old is open to leaving Tottenham amid the club’s ongoing struggles.
Crucially, it is even suggested the defender would favour a move to Barcelona over other suitors.
With how Tottenham have been performing this season, it seems certain that either one of Cuti Romero or Van De Ven will leave.
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