Micky van de Ven is beginning to think seriously about his future at Tottenham Hotspur, with growing reports suggesting the Dutch defender is open to leaving the club at the end of the season.
After a challenging campaign in north London, the 24-year-old is believed to be assessing his options, and Liverpool have emerged as the club he would most like to join next summer.
Tottenham’s season has been far from smooth, and the league table reflects that struggle. Sitting 14th after 21 Premier League matches, Spurs have failed to meet expectations, and frustration is starting to show both on and off the pitch.
Their recent 3-2 defeat away to Bournemouth only added to the tension, with Van de Ven caught in a heated moment with travelling supporters after the final whistle. It was a rare but telling sign of how difficult the situation has become for a player who has otherwise given everything since arriving at the club.
Van de Ven joined Tottenham from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023 and quickly established himself as a vital part of the team. Strong, quick, and confident on the ball, he became a regular starter and a fan favourite in a short space of time.
Across all competitions, he has already made 78 appearances and scored nine goals, impressive numbers for a centre-back still early in his career. Despite his importance, the wider issues at the club appear to be pushing him toward considering a new challenge.
Those close to the player believe Liverpool would be his preferred destination if he does leave Spurs. Van de Ven is said to have grown up admiring the Merseyside club, and the idea of playing at Anfield holds strong personal appeal.
A move there would also see him link up with several familiar faces, including fellow Dutchmen Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and head coach Arne Slot. That shared nationality and footballing philosophy could make any transition far smoother.
While Van de Ven is keen to remain in the Premier League, he is also thought to hold one exception in high regard. If Real Madrid, the most decorated club in Champions League history, were to make a serious move, he would be willing to consider a switch to Spain. However, at this stage, Liverpool appear to be the standout option in his mind.
Any attempt to prise him away from Tottenham will not be straightforward. The defender is tied down to a long-term deal that runs until the summer of 2029 and earns him around £112,000 per week.
That places Spurs in a strong negotiating position, and they would almost certainly demand a significant fee before agreeing to sell. From Tottenham’s perspective, losing one of their most consistent performers would be a major blow, especially given their ongoing struggles to find defensive stability.
Liverpool’s interest in Van de Ven also depends on their own situation at the back. Ibrahima Konate’s contract is entering its final phase, and while the club have offered him a new deal, his future remains uncertain.
With interest from other European sides, Liverpool are preparing for all outcomes, including the possibility of needing a long-term replacement. Van de Ven’s profile fits what they typically look for: young, athletic, experienced at the top level, and already proven in the Premier League.
That said, Liverpool are also monitoring other defensive targets. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi remains high on their list, particularly with his contract set to expire in less than six months. Palace are open to selling him now rather than risk losing him for nothing, and several Premier League clubs are watching the situation closely.
Manchester City have also entered the picture, as Pep Guardiola looks to reinforce his defence following injury problems to key players.
Guehi was close to joining Liverpool late in the previous transfer window, but the move collapsed when Palace were unable to secure a replacement in time. That history suggests Liverpool’s interest is genuine, even if competition for his signature is increasing. How that situation develops could directly impact whether Van de Ven becomes a primary target.
For Van de Ven himself, the coming months will be crucial. He remains fully committed to Tottenham for now, but the desire to compete for major trophies and play at the very highest level is growing stronger.
At 24, he is entering the prime years of his career and will not want to waste them in a team struggling for direction and consistency.
Tottenham, meanwhile, face a delicate balancing act. Keeping hold of top players like Van de Ven is essential if they want to rebuild and push back toward the top of the table. However, if dissatisfaction continues and interest from elite clubs intensifies, holding onto him may become increasingly difficult.
As things stand, no final decision has been made, but the signs are clear. Van de Ven is thinking ahead, Liverpool are watching closely, and next summer could bring a major transfer that reshapes the defensive plans of both clubs.
