Liverpool Poised for Cut-Price Van de Ven Deal Amid Tottenham Crisis
Liverpool have been urged to capitalise on Tottenham Hotspur's deepening crisis by pursuing a summer move for defender Micky van de Ven, potentially at a significantly reduced fee if Spurs face relegation. The Reds, who missed out on Marc Guehi earlier this year, are actively seeking to strengthen their central defence, with Van de Ven emerging as a prime target.
Relegation Could Trigger Tottenham Exodus
Tottenham's disastrous season has taken another turn for the worse following the interim appointment of Igor Tudor after Thomas Frank's dismissal. The team's performance has arguably deteriorated further, putting Tudor's own position at risk, especially if they suffer another defeat. Should the unthinkable happen and Spurs finish in the bottom three, a mass departure of players from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is considered inevitable.
Van de Ven, who has been one of the club's rare bright spots this season, is likely to be among the first to leave. The Dutch defender's consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool showing renewed interest in securing his services.
Former Players Back Van de Ven Move
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer believes the Reds could snap up Van de Ven on a cut-price deal if Tottenham are relegated. Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, McAteer stated, "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."
Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood also endorsed the potential transfer, highlighting Van de Ven's suitability for Liverpool. He said, "I think he's the obvious choice on that left side, there aren't many of those about. There is one other, Jarrad Branthwaite, but he ain't going to Liverpool, so it opens up the door there for Micky to go in there as a Liverpool player."
Van de Ven's Liverpool Admiration
Real Madrid have also expressed interest in the defender, but Van de Ven's longstanding admiration for Liverpool could give the Reds a crucial edge. In June 2023, shortly before his £43 million move to Tottenham from Wolfsburg, he told Voetbal International, "Of course, there are a lot of people who draw lines. It's true that the director [then Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke previously worked for Wolfsburg] went there and I know that Liverpool followed me before. But at the moment, I don't know anything. Do I think Liverpool is a nice club? Naturally."
Van de Ven once visited Anfield with his father, describing it as a dream to play there. He recalled, "I once went to the Liverpool stadium with my dad. That was over Christmas on Boxing Day. Liverpool vs Arsenal. That was madness. Then when 'You'll Never Walk Alone' comes [on], that's a goosebump moment, that was very cool. It's a dream to play there."
Immediate Impact on Upcoming Fixture
Van de Ven will not feature in Sunday's crucial clash between Liverpool and Tottenham at Anfield, as he serves a one-match ban following his recent red card against Crystal Palace. This match presents Liverpool with an opportunity to push Spurs closer to the Championship, further complicating Tottenham's precarious position.
The potential transfer hinges heavily on Tottenham's fate this season. If relegation becomes a reality, Liverpool could secure a high-quality defensive reinforcement at a bargain price, filling the void left by their failed pursuit of Marc Guehi and bolstering their squad for future campaigns.
