Bentancur has a fresh issueplaceholder image
Bentancur has a fresh issue | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool are looking to strengthen in the summer, however, they will have to compete for one of their big-money targets.
If Liverpool’s defeat to Wolves proved anything, it is that the centre-half department needs to be addressed and Arne Slot could do with more pace at the back.
Liverpool target attracting La Liga attention
The Dutch international won’t want to struggle down at the wrong end of the table again next season and several clubs are now competing for his signature. According to SportsBoom, the 24-year old has no interest in committing his future to Spurs: “Micky van de Ven rejects new Tottenham contract amidst interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona. Spurs want £100 million for the 24-year-old, who sees his future away from the struggling club. Manchester United not in the race. Spurs refusing to sell unless the price is right.
“The defender has had his head turned by interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. And our sources have been told he is not open to discussing a contract extension with the Premier League club as things go from bad to worse for Spurs. The 24-year-old is contracted to the club until 2029, but Tottenham are understood to have wanted to tie him down to a new five-year deal which would secure his future in north London until 2031.”
Is Van de Ven worth £100m?
If Barcelona can’t afford the £26m needed to pay Marcus Rashford’s option to buy clause, they will struggle to stump up the cash to pay the £100m that Spurs are looking for. Given his age, international pedigree, experience and physical attributes, it isn’t a surprise to see so many ball dominant teams looking to sign him. His biggest strength is his pace and, alongside an aerial presence, is the perfect centre-half to cover the sort of problem that led to Wolves’ first goal on Tuesday night.
Due to missing out on Marc Guehi and Jeremy Jacquet being untested at a bigger club, Liverpool will need to sign another experienced centre-half in the summer and have already been linked with a few different options. Van de Ven would be expensive, but he would be as low risk as they come when his partnership at international level with Virgil van Dijk is also considered. This need will be even greater if Konate doesn’t sign a new contract and leaves Anfield.
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