Arne Slot Backs Van de Ven for a Move
It seems the Merseyside club will have to bide their time for a new defender, at least until the summer when Konate’s contract concludes.
Among the potential candidates, one name is emerging as a top target for Liverpool scouts. This player is none other than Micky van de Ven, someone head coach Arne Slot knows well—having attempted to sign him on two separate occasions.
While at Volendam in the Netherlands, Slot sought to bring him on board during his tenure at AZ. When the centre-back was ready to transition in the summer of 2021, Slot once again aimed to secure his signing, this time for Feyenoord.
Van de Ven chose Wolfsburg instead, establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top defenders before making a move to Tottenham in 2023.
Currently, Spurs are in discussions to renew the contract of the left-footed defender, whose agreement runs until 2029.
Spurs Set £100m Price Tag for Van de Ven
Given Tottenham’s current situation, negotiating a sale could prove challenging. If progress stalls, then the Europa League champions will have to explore the option of selling him.
Where better than Anfield, where Van de Ven can reunite with several Dutch teammates and a coach who already endorses him?
Additionally, there may be some behind-the-scenes efforts to facilitate this transfer.
According to Liverpool insider Lewis Steele, the Dutch defender shares an agent with Reds midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
Crucially, reports suggest that Van de Ven is now eager to move on from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. “Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven shares an agent with Reds midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, Jose Fortes Rodriguez, and is believed to be keen on leaving Spurs,” states a recent report.
As Spurs are likely to demand around £100m for Van de Ven if he departs next summer, this would set a new record for a defender, surpassing the £80m Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2018.
At just 24 years old, Van de Ven offers versatility, capable of playing in both a back four and back three, making him a valuable long-term asset for Liverpool.