Liverpool move step closer to sensational Premier League signing

Liverpool have moved one step closer to a sensational Premier League signing. Can Richard Hughes get it over the line?

Liverpool are reportedly in pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven. The Dutchman was widely expected to leave Spurs anyway but their genuine threat of relegation makes a transfer near-certain.

Actual relegation would spark a mass exodus, of course. But even simply missing out on European qualification - something that can only be avoided at this stage by actually winning the UEFA Champions League - would necessitate sales to balance the books.

And Van de Ven is one of their more valuable assets. Liverpool are in the hunt for a new centre-back, too, as Ibrahima Konate’s contract is set to expire.

Football Insider report that Liverpool’s chances of signing the player have improved as Barcelona, viewed as their biggest competition, have moved on to other targets.

It’s claimed that the Catalonians don’t have the funds to pay what Spurs want for Van de Ven. Liverpool, on the other hand, should do.

Micky van de Ven: Situation Summary

Transfer Speculation and Spurs' Struggles

The 24-year-old Dutch international has been identified as a key target for Liverpool to bolster their defensive line, especially with the uncertain future of Ibrahima Konaté. Reports from The Daily Mail and DaveOCKOP indicate that Liverpool have been "alerted" to Van de Ven's availability this summer, particularly if 16th-placed Tottenham fail to avoid the drop. While Spurs have reportedly placed a record-breaking £100 million price tag on the defender, this valuation is expected to plummet should they be relegated to the Championship.

Contract Standoff and Discipline

Van de Ven has reportedly rejected Tottenham’s initial offers for a new five-year contract, with his camp putting talks on hold amid interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona. His current deal runs until June 2029, but his refusal to negotiate has fueled exit rumours. On the pitch, his discipline has recently faltered; he was shown a straight red card in a 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on 5 March. This suspension means he will miss the upcoming Premier League trip to Anfield on 15 March, though he remains eligible for tomorrow's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.

Season Statistics

Despite Tottenham’s dismal form, Van de Ven has been a standout individual performer. In the 2025/26 Premier League season, he has recorded 4 goals and 1 assist across 27 appearances. His recovery pace remains elite, and he has frequently captained the side in the absence of other senior leaders.

Analysis

Whether Liverpool actually move for Van de Ven or not is another matter. We imagine it'll largely depend on what Spurs demand as a fee - and relegation almost certainly makes him a bargain deal.

There are other centre-backs on the market, though, and from teams who aren't struggling anywhere near as badly as Tottenham are right now. We've got to imagine that Liverpool would prefer to sign a player for big money who's in fantastic form, rather than playing for a team in such dire form.

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