Liverpool should sign a player from Tottenham in the summer, according to Jason McAteer, with Spurs in danger of being relegated from the Premier League this season
16:37, 11 Mar 2026
Tottenham Hotspur interim manager Igor Tudor.
Tottenham Hotspur interim manager Igor Tudor.(Image: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool man Jason McAteer believes the Reds should make a move for Micky van de Ven in the summer to help shore up Arne Slot's defense.
The Reds have been all over the place at the back at times this season, with the collapse of the transfer deal to sign Marc Guehi last summer an easy point to make off the back of that. In reality, though, the whole team has been wide open at times, as was the case in the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray this week.
"It looks that way," McAteer said on the latest edition of the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, in partnership with BOYLE Sports, when asked if Van de Ven should be on Liverpool’s defensive incoming priorities in the summer.
READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk hits out at 'crazy' Liverpool VAR controversy vs GalatasarayREAD MORE: Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Galatasaray as Mohamed Salah and 5 more struggle
"They missed out on Marc Guehi in the summer, and I was a little bit surprised that they let it go to the winter window to try and do the business.
"You always bring competition in then; other teams are looking for players in that position, and City have got there before Liverpool. I think they missed out on one there.
"Giovanni Leoni came in at the start of the season; obviously, he picked up the really bad injury, which has set him back, and we brought in Jeremy Jacquet as well.
Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United
Micky van de Ven has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
"I know he’s not coming until next season, but he is quality, and they have spent a lot of money on him. He will be looking at playing in the team, but they do need another center-half.
"There are a couple out there, but Micky van de Ven seems to be (on the market). It will be interesting to see how it develops at Tottenham because if they do go down, they will be looking to offload players, and Liverpool might nick him for a little bit cheaper."
In recent weeks, Liverpool has looked much more defensively assured, though that changed against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
"It’s a big area for Liverpool to address," McAteer continued. "They’ve struggled at right-back because of injuries. Let’s say Conor Bradley comes in; he’s still relatively new to that position.
Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
From $100
LFC.com
See the deal
Liverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.
Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.
"Alright, he’s been at the club a while, but to slot back in, he’s not been there long term. You’ve got Milos Kerkez who’s just come this season, you’ve got Ibrahima Konate, who might leave because he’s out of contract, and you’ve got van Dijk who’s probably only got a year left in him.
"Whoever comes in, you’re looking for a big personality; the finished article. They don’t come cheap.
"There’s not a lot of leaders in that Liverpool team, you’re looking for someone with a lot of experience and leadership and whether Micky van de Ven is the man remains to be seen."
Article continues below
Liverpool.com says: Van de Ven is a decent center-back but he has been in poor form in the last few weeks. If Spurs stay up, they will demand a massive fee for him as well.