Liverpool have placed Dutch defender Micky van de Ven high on their list of candidates to eventually succeed his compatriot Virgil van Dijk, as part of the club’s long-term defensive rebuilding plans.
According to CaughtOffside, the Reds’ interest in the Tottenham Hotspur captain is not new, but the club has intensified its scouting efforts as Van Dijk approaches the final year of his contract.
Mick Brown, former chief scout at Manchester United, stated: “Van de Ven has been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time, and he possesses many of the qualities required to succeed Van Dijk.”
Brown explained that the Dutch defender’s speed, physical power, left-footed profile, and established Premier League experience have made him a primary target for Liverpool, though formal negotiations have yet to begin.
With Van Dijk’s current contract running until June 2027, Liverpool are proactively assessing options to secure the center-back position well before a full defensive transition becomes urgent.
However, Tottenham hold a strong negotiating position after Van de Ven signed a new five-year contract last August, prior to being named first-team captain ahead of the 2026–2027 season.
The 25-year-old made 45 appearances across all competitions last season, including 34 in the Premier League. Heading into the current campaign, he reached 96 total appearances and 10 goals in a Tottenham shirt, alongside earning 25 international caps for the Netherlands.
Since joining Spurs from Wolfsburg in 2023, Van de Ven played a pivotal role in their 2025 UEFA Europa League triumph, meaning any potential move by Liverpool would demand a substantial financial bid and a clear shift in stance from both the player and the North London club.
