Tottenham Hotspur’s star defender Micky van de Ven has given the green light to a sensational summer departure from North London — and both Liverpool and Manchester United are already locked and loaded for what could be one of the transfer window’s fiercest battles.
The 24-year-old Dutch international, who has been one of the few bright sparks in a chaotic campaign for Spurs, is understood to have approved a potential £100million exit as contract talks remain frozen until the end of the season.
Sources close to the player confirm van de Ven is actively weighing up his options and is ready to leave the club he joined from Wolfsburg just two years ago. With his current deal running until 2029, Tottenham still hold the strongest hand on paper — but the defender’s desire for regular Champions League football and a more stable environment has now opened the floodgates.
Liverpool have never hidden their long-term admiration for the pacey centre-back. The Reds tracked him extensively during his time in Germany before he chose Spurs in 2023, and they have now reinstated him as a top defensive target for the summer rebuild under Arne Slot.
Van de Ven’s blistering recovery speed, composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back make him the perfect modern left-sided centre-half for Liverpool’s high-line system. With the Anfield side prioritising defensive reinforcements this summer, insiders say he sits right at the top of their shortlist. Liverpool know they face stiff competition, however, and will need to move decisively if they are to land their man.
Manchester United have also emerged as serious contenders. Should the Red Devils secure Champions League qualification — or if Tottenham were to suffer the unthinkable and drop into the Championship — United would immediately become one of the most attractive destinations for the Netherlands international.
Van de Ven is desperate to feature regularly in Europe’s top competition, and a move to Old Trafford would guarantee him exactly that. United’s interest is described as “keen”, with the club viewing the Dutchman as a transformative addition to Ruben Amorim’s backline.
Even Real Madrid are lurking in the background. The Spanish giants have held a long-term interest in van de Ven, with many at the Bernabeu believing he has the potential to one day wear the famous white shirt. While a summer move may still be considered premature by Madrid’s hierarchy, sources caution that Los Blancos are monitoring the situation closely and should never be completely ruled out.
Tottenham, fighting for Premier League survival in what has become a genuine relegation scrap, value their prized asset at a cool £100million. With interest from three of Europe’s biggest clubs, Spurs are braced for what could be one of the most explosive transfer sagas of 2025.
For van de Ven, the message is clear: he has approved the exit, the price is set, and the race is on.
Game changer unlocked. Liverpool and Manchester United are ready — now the battle begins.