Liverpool have placed Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven firmly on their radar as the club’s recruitment team accelerates plans to future-proof their backline. While a January move remains logistically impossible, reports suggest the Dutchman is viewed as the "perfect tactical fit" for Arne Slot’s high-intensity system, and his situation in North London has alerted Anfield chiefs.
The update, featured in a transfer roundup by OneFootball, indicates that the Reds are casting a wide net for left-sided defensive options. However, the link to Van de Ven carries significant weight given the player's growing frustration with Tottenham's current stagnation.
The Slot Connection
The interest in Van de Ven is not merely opportunistic; it is rooted in Arne Slot’s long-standing admiration for the player. It is a matter of public record that Slot attempted to sign Van de Ven during his tenure at Feyenoord, only to miss out when the defender chose VfL Wolfsburg.
Tactically, the marriage makes complete sense. Slot’s Liverpool operates with an aggressively high defensive line, a system that relies heavily on recovery pace to mitigate the risk of balls over the top. Van de Ven, officially clocked as the fastest player in Premier League history, is a statistical anomaly who can erase defensive errors with raw speed.
Unrest in North London
The catalyst for this potential move is the chaotic season unfolding at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Under manager Thomas Frank, Spurs currently languish in 14th place, and the atmosphere has turned toxic. Van de Ven, usually a fan favourite, was recently seen clashing with supporters following a defeat to Bournemouth, fueling speculation that he is looking for an exit route.
With former chairman Daniel Levy having departed the club last year, the new leadership structure led by CEO Vinai Venkatesham faces a massive test. While they will be desperate to back Frank and retain their best players, the lack of Champions League football—and the internal drift—leaves them vulnerable to predatory offers from elite rivals.
The World-Record Obstacle
Despite the unrest, Van de Ven is under contract until June 2029. The new Spurs hierarchy knows that selling their fastest asset to a domestic rival would be a PR disaster unless the fee was astronomical. Any deal would likely eclipse the £80m Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire, meaning Liverpool would need to break their own transfer record to land him.
Chelsea Eye Senesi
Elsewhere in the London market, Chelsea continue to hunt for defensive reinforcements. The report claims the Blues have identified Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi as a serious target. The Argentine centre-back has been a standout performer for Andoni Iraola’s Cherries, combining aggression with elite ball-playing ability.
Chelsea’s interest in Senesi suggests a shift towards Premier League-proven quality rather than just high-potential youth. With Benoit Badiashile facing an uncertain future under Enzo Maresca, Senesi represents a "ready-made" option who could slot immediately into the back three.
Betting Market Reaction
For now, the Micky van de Ven next club odds remain long, reflecting the extreme difficulty of extracting a key player from Tottenham mid-contract. However, if Liverpool secure Champions League football and Spurs continue to slide under Frank, the summer window could see a defining battle for the Dutchman's signature.