In search of a long-term defensive reinforcement, Liverpool has set its sights on Micky van de Ven. The Tottenham player ticks many boxes in a context marked by uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté, the failure of the Marc Guéhi deal and Arne Slot’s desire to strengthen an area identified as a priority.
At Liverpool, defensive reinforcement is no longer just a theoretical consideration. Arne Slot’s comments about the squad still being incomplete confirmed an impression already shared internally: the central defence needs to be strengthened, and not with a secondary option.
A clearly identified need
The context is pushing Liverpool to anticipate. Ibrahima Konaté has still not decided on his future, even though he has already entered the final year of his contract, leaving short-term uncertainty hanging over the right side of the defence. At the same time, the departure of Jarell Quansah last summer deprived the club of a credible internal solution to ensure rotation.
Added to this is the definitive failure of the Marc Guehi option, now out of reach after his recent transfer to Manchester City. The reigning English champions therefore find themselves faced with a simple equation: to strengthen this area with a complete player, capable of playing in a high line and meeting the physical demands of the Premier League.
Van de Ven, a logical choice
In this context, Micky van de Ven stands out as a logical option, according to the Daily Mail. At 24, the Dutch centre-back combines power, speed and reliability in open spaces, qualities that are essential to the style of play advocated by the Reds’ manager. Accustomed to defending far from his goal with Tottenham, the Oranje, whose contract with Spurs runs until June 2029, offers immediate guarantees in a league he already knows well.
His integration would be facilitated by the presence of Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong, providing a natural Dutch foundation in the dressing room and immediate cultural and tactical continuity, in line with Slot’s playing principles. However, Tottenham will not discuss anything below an estimated entry fee of at least €70 million, a significant investment for a club that will have to decide between anticipation and caution.
