Liverpool are reportedly not pursuing Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven this summer, despite recent reports indicating a potential deal could materialise.
Liverpool's Stance on Van de Ven
The Reds have been tentatively linked with a move for the Spurs centre-back previously, and the speculation has emerged once more this week. Andoni Iraola will be focusing on preparations for his debut campaign as Liverpool's new boss, having been confirmed as Arne Slot's successor earlier this month. Those preparations will include involvement in the club's summer transfer window strategy, with reports surfacing that Van de Ven could feature on Liverpool's list of targets this summer.
Nevertheless, Fabrizio Romano has stated that there are no intentions for Van de Ven to join either Liverpool or Barcelona, with the latter also being mentioned as a potential option for the Netherlands international. It has been indicated that Spurs regard Van de Ven as a key figure in their squad and do not anticipate the defender departing north London throughout the summer transfer window.
Background and Speculation
The development followed a report in Dutch publication De Telegraaf claiming that Liverpool and Barcelona have both submitted an approach to secure the 25-year-old centre-half this summer. The uncertainty surrounding Van de Ven's future arrives at a time when Spurs have finalised the signing of defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton in a deal understood to be valued at approximately £52 million.
Liverpool currently have four senior centre-back options at their disposal, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni set to be joined by new signing Jeremy Jacquet. The Reds have been dealt a blow after Ibrahima Konate departed the club this summer on a free transfer to Real Madrid, fuelling speculation that strengthening at centre-back could be firmly on the agenda during the current transfer window.
Injury Concerns and New Signings
Liverpool will also be aware that Leoni is still working his way back from an ACL injury sustained on his debut last September, while Jacquet picked up a shoulder injury in February in what turned out to be his last appearance for Rennes before his switch to Merseyside. Iraola has already seen Liverpool bolster his newly-inherited ranks, with Victor Munoz completing a permanent transfer to Anfield from Osasuna. The Spain international has put pen to paper on a six-year deal after Liverpool reached an agreement worth £34.5 million to secure the signature of the versatile forward.
