Liverpool “have an interest” in signing Tottenham and Netherlands centre-back Micky van de Ven, according to a new update from journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Dutchman hasn’t had the happiest of weeks, being sent-off for Spurs’ in their 3-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Thursday evening.
Van de Ven is still a top-quality central defender, however, and his influence is going to be vital if his side are to avoid a shock relegation from the Premier League this season.
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed that Liverpool are monitoring the 24-year-old ahead of a potential move for him in the summer transfer window.
“It’s no surprise that other clubs are monitoring his situation. Barcelona have been strongly linked with a potential move in Spain, but there’s a few difficulties for any potential move because we know Barcelona’s ongoing financial situation. They won’t be able to get anywhere near what it would take to prise Van de Ven away.
“Real Madrid have also been linked, and Liverpool have an interest in Van de Ven as well as they look for defensive reinforcements this summer. They’re interested in bringing in a replacement for Ibrahima Konate or a long-term replacement for current captain Virgil van Dijk as well.
“If Spurs were to get relegated, you would imagine Van de Ven would be among a number of players who’d be seeking a move out of Tottenham.”
Is Micky van de Ven Liverpool’s best centre-back option?
Van de Ven is one of the best defenders in the Premier League, so it is easy to envisage him being a massive hit in a Liverpool shirt.
The £100m+ Dutchman is a record-breaking player, having notched the fastest speed in the league back in 2024, and former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is a huge admirer, saying:
“He’s top. He could be as good as he wants to. You watch him at the World Cup, I reckon they’ll play him at left back and he’ll be unbelievable. Once he gets going, technically he’s good, his ability to cover ground is phenomenal. You’d set him up against any striker in the world, without any fear that he will get outmuscled and definitely not outrun.”
There is little not to like about Van de Ven, barring possibly a questionable injury record, and Liverpool should be looking at him as one of their leading centre-back options this summer.
He is lightning-fast, possesses leadership and is still relatively young, and he could help fill the void that will eventually be left by compatriot Virgil van Dijk.