Tottenham have set a huge price tag for star defender Micky van de Ven, amid strong interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool, according to a new report.
Micky van de Ven continues to shine at Tottenham
Van de Ven has been an outstanding player for Spurs since the start of the 2025/2026 season, quickly establishing himself as a key figure under manager Thomas Frank.
The young defender combines solid defense with an incredible goal-scoring touch and has already found the back of the net five times in all competitions. This is a surprising return for a player whose primary job is to defend at the back.
Van de Ven has also scored twice as many goals as any other defender in the Premier League so far this season, including Arsenal’s much-touted set-piece weapon Gabriel, with the Dutchman still involved in all but one of Tottenham’s seven clean sheets this season.
The 24-year-old’s combination of speed, power and goal threat makes him an essential member of Franck’s starting eleven, and his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch gives Spurs a unique edge.
Van de Ven’s importance to the Lilywhites is nothing new, having saved Ange Postecoglou’s high line-outs on numerous occasions when he was fit and available.
With Cristian Romero sidelined due to injury and Spurs training steadily in preparation for the match, Spurs currently sit third in the Premier League, with Van de Ven and Kevin Danso playing the role of the Argentine to great effect.
Tottenham on shortlist to face Everton | problem | Expected return date |
|---|---|---|
Dejan Kulusevski | knees | 2025/11/22 |
james madison | ACL | 2026/01/06 |
Radu Dragushin | knees | 2025/11/22 |
ben davis | thigh | 2025/11/23 |
Eve Bissouma | ankle/foot | August 11, 2025 |
Christian Romero | between legs | November 1, 2025 |
Destiny Udogie | knees | August 11, 2025 |
Dominic Solanke | ankle | August 11, 2025 |
via premier injury | ||
Van de Ven’s brace against Everton last Sunday – both from set-pieces – sealed a vital three points for Spurs, who became the first away team to win at the brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Since Van de Ven arrived in north London more than two years ago, the Dutch international has been linked with a high-profile move elsewhere.
Real Madrid have been named as potential suitors amid reports that they are looking for a new centre-back, with reports suggesting Tottenham are willing to double Van de Ven’s salary to lure him away from the Bernabéu.
Considering his contract runs until 2029, Spurs are in no immediate danger of losing their centre-half and I’m sure Frank is happy with N17.
“I think he’s happy here, which is very important and we’re happy with him, so we’ll see what happens in the future,” Frank said ahead of the Carabao Cup game against Newcastle.
“The most important thing is that he seems to really enjoy his football. He really enjoys his time here. I’m really happy for him and everyone is really happy too. So that’s a good sign.”
That said, there is always the possibility that Real could divert interest from the player, and if Real are able to tempt Van de Ven, Spurs’ demands are clearly clear.
Tottenham set ‘historic’ price tag for Micky van de Ven as Real Madrid and Liverpool circle
Reports from Spain claim that Tottenham have set a “historic” price for Van de Ven, signing him from Real, Liverpool and even Bayern Munich.
Spurs are thought to be asking at least £88m for Van de Ven, which is said to be a ‘historic’ sum and would make him the most expensive defender in football history, surpassing the £80m Man United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019.
Frank’s team are determined to keep him and only a “huge offer” will see him leave. This highlights his growing importance both on and off the pitch.
The valuation could be part of a wider strategy to reflect Tottenham’s ambitions and financial strength, especially following a huge £100m capital injection from the club’s owners, the Lewis family.
This investment confirms their long-term commitment to strengthening the team and competing at the highest level, and preventing the departure of key stars like Van de Ven will be crucial if the North Londoners are to get a fresh start after winning the Europa League in May.