Transfer news: Van de Ven wants Liverpool move as Tottenham face the drop

Transfer news: Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven reportedly wants to join Liverpool and work under manager Arne Slot at Anfield, according to TEAMtalk‘s transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher, who first broke Liverpool’s interest back in February. The story has gathered considerable weight since then, and the timing could hardly be more dramatic.

Sources close to the situation told TEAMtalk that Liverpool identified Van de Ven as a prime candidate to eventually replace Virgil van Dijk at the heart of their defence. The connection between player and manager runs deeper than most realise. Slot actually tried to sign Van de Ven twice during his time in the Eredivisie, first at AZ Alkmaar and then at Feyenoord, though both attempts fell through, with Van de Ven ultimately choosing Wolfsburg before completing his move to Spurs in 2023.

Latest transfer news on Tottenham’s situation

The fight to stay in the Premier League has come down to a straight two-way battle between Tottenham and West Ham, going all the way to the final day, with Spurs sitting just two points clear of the drop zone. Journalist Dean Jacobs stated plainly that if Liverpool formally entered the race for Van de Ven, the defender would want to join them, but noted Spurs’ survival would likely change things, with Van de Ven potentially signing a new contract at the club if they stayed up.

Tottenham value their defender at between £60m and £80m, and Van de Ven himself will seek wages of up to £200,000 per week, figures that place this deal firmly among the more expensive operations Liverpool could pursue this summer. His current deal runs until 2029 and pays him around £90,000 per week, meaning any new club must offer a significant step up.

My opinion on this transfer news and the realistic outcome

This story hinges entirely on what happens on Sunday. Tottenham staying up almost certainly means Van de Ven signs a new deal and stays put, that is the straightforward reality, regardless of how much he admires Slot.

If Spurs drop into the Championship, Liverpool would move quickly, and Van de Ven would welcome the call. However, Liverpool’s actual need for him is debatable. Their defensive struggles this season were real, but the club carry several centre-back options already, and spending up to £80m on one position, while also paying £200,000 per week in wages, demands serious justification from the board. Former Liverpool man Jason McAteer argued the Reds could potentially get him for a cheaper fee if Tottenham go down, which makes the potential value considerably more attractive.

£25m Liverpool flop eyed by Coventry and Leeds in summer transfer news

Slot clearly rates him highly, and the tactical fit as a left-footed, progressive centre-back is obvious. Still, Liverpool will not spend that kind of money unless they feel the squad genuinely cannot compete at the top without him. The realistic outcome this summer is a deal that only happens if relegation forces Tottenham’s hand, and even then, Liverpool will drive a hard bargain. That rounds up this transfer news.