Liverpool are accelerating their centre-back recruitment strategy this summer as they look to bridge an impending experience gap at the heart of defence.
Sporting director Richard Hughes initiated the long-term rebuild last year with the £26 million signing of Giovanni Leoni from Parma. That move has been followed by further investments in young talent, including Mor Talla Ndiaye, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, and Jeremy Jacquet. While these acquisitions strengthen the club’s future, there is growing recognition that a proven senior option may be required to maintain defensive stability over the next 12 to 18 months.
The situation is sharpened by the contract timelines of Liverpool’s established centre-backs. Virgil van Dijk’s deal expires in 2027, as does Joe Gomez’s, while Ibrahima Konaté has yet to commit to a new agreement. In this context, the name generating significant excitement is Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven.
Arne Slot’s Long-Standing Admiration
The 25-year-old Dutch international has been on Arne Slot’s radar for several years. Slot previously attempted to sign van de Ven during his time at both AZ and Feyenoord before the defender moved to the Premier League with Tottenham from Wolfsburg in 2023.
Since arriving in North London, van de Ven has rapidly established himself as one of the most talented left-footed centre-backs in the division. His composure on the ball, athleticism, and progressive passing have drawn widespread praise, even as Tottenham have faced a challenging campaign.
According to reports, Tottenham value the player at £90 million. With his current contract running until 2029, the club would likely demand a substantial fee should they entertain offers this summer. However, the situation remains fluid.
Van de Ven’s Preference Clear
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs has provided key insight into the player’s thinking. While van de Ven is currently focused on helping Tottenham avoid relegation, sources indicate he harbours a strong preference for a move to Anfield if the opportunity arises.
“If Tottenham stay up, I think Micky van de Ven will likely sign a new deal, but a bit like Senesi, quite an open situation,” Jacobs revealed. “I have said before on the show, if Liverpool enter that race, Van de Ven would want to join Liverpool, but they haven’t entered that race.”
Jacobs added that the defender is enjoying working under Roberto De Zerbi but would be reluctant to drop into the Championship.
A Natural Successor to Van Dijk
From a footballing perspective, van de Ven represents an almost tailor-made long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. Left-footed, technically proficient, and comfortable playing out from the back, he would slot seamlessly into Slot’s possession-based system.
His integration would be further eased by the strong Dutch contingent already at Anfield. Van Dijk, Jeremie Frimpong, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch would help the 25-year-old settle quickly into the Liverpool environment.
For Arne Slot, the signing would be particularly appealing — reuniting with a player he has long admired and adding genuine top-level quality to a position that requires careful management in the coming seasons.
While Liverpool have not yet made a formal move, the pieces are quietly aligning. A player of van de Ven’s calibre, who actively wants to wear the red shirt, could prove to be one of the most significant defensive acquisitions in the post-Klopp era.
The summer window is only just beginning, but in Micky van de Ven, Liverpool may already have their prime target in sight.