Tottenham Hotspur have placed a staggering £100 million price tag on Micky van de Ven as rivals Liverpool and Manchester United begin to circle. Spurs’ board is determined to make the Dutchman the most expensive defender in football history should they be forced to sell.
A World Record Valuation
According to TeamTalk, Tottenham are not looking to sell their defensive cornerstone. With a contract running until July 2029, the club is even preparing a lucrative new deal to ward off suitors. However, the message to the market is clear: Van de Ven will only leave for a fee that eclipses the £80m Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019.
At approximately €120 million (£100m), the valuation is designed to be symbolic, ensuring that if Van de Ven departs, he does so as the most expensive signing in the history of the position.
Why the Premier League Giants are Circling
Van de Ven’s profile is unique in modern football. Standing at 1.93m, the left-footed center-back is renowned for his exceptional recovery speed, making him arguably the fastest defender in the world.
- The Liverpool Fit: Following defensive instability and the departure of Marc Guéhi to Manchester City, the Reds see Van de Ven as the natural heir to Virgil van Dijk. His ability to play in a high defensive line is a tactical match made in heaven for the Anfield side.
- The Manchester United Need: United are also monitoring the situation as they look to bolster their backline under the new project, though they currently trail Liverpool in the race.
Liverpool Preparing a €90m Opening Bid
Reports suggest that Liverpool are preparing an opening offer in the region of €90 million. While significant, this remains below Tottenham’s “historical fee” requirement.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is known for being a tough negotiator, and with Van de Ven’s peak years still ahead of him, the North London club is under no pressure to lower their demands. Liverpool will likely have to break their own transfer record to secure the Dutchman’s signature this summer.
James Horan is a football writer focused on the Premier League transfer market, covering confirmed signings, transfer rumors, and club strategies during the transfer windows.
