Van de Ven Emerges as Key Target for Liverpool Under Arne Slot | OneFootball

Liverpool Target Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven as Key Centre-Back Option

Liverpool are intensifying their search for a new centre-back, with Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven emerging as one of their primary targets. According to TEAMtalk, manager Arne Slot is a strong admirer of the Dutch defender and believes he has the potential to reach new heights at Anfield.

Slot’s Influence on Van de Ven Pursuit

Liverpool’s interest in Van de Ven is rooted in both scouting analysis and Slot’s personal assessment. As TEAMtalk reports: “Liverpool are ‘very keen’ on signing Van de Ven from Tottenham, since the Dutchman is ‘hugely rated by Arne Slot’.” The Liverpool boss sees the 23-year-old as having the right mentality and attributes to become a defensive mainstay at Anfield.

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The club also shares Slot’s view that Van de Ven has elite-level potential, despite not yet playing in the Champions League. According to the report: “Liverpool believe Van de Ven is an ‘elite Champions League level’ player – even though he is yet to experience playing in that competition.”

Centre-Back Recruitment a Priority for Liverpool

Liverpool’s urgency to reinforce their backline is driven by uncertainty over their current centre-back options. Captain Virgil van Dijk, who turns 34 next season, is approaching the final year of his contract, while Ibrahima Konaté has attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

With Konaté reportedly open to a move, Liverpool are preparing for possible changes at the heart of their defence. Whether or not Van Dijk and Konaté stay, Van de Ven offers qualities Liverpool currently lack – notably as a natural left-footed centre-back with exceptional pace.

Guehi Emerges as Alternative Option

Van de Ven is not the only defender on Liverpool’s radar. According to TEAMtalk, Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace is also under consideration. The England international’s contract situation, with only a year remaining, could make him a more affordable option. However, Palace have proven tough negotiators, having rejected a significant bid from Tottenham in January.

The summer could see a bidding war for Guehi, with multiple clubs interested. Liverpool must decide whether to prioritise Van de Ven’s pace and left-footed profile or pursue Guehi’s Premier League experience.

Photo: IMAGO

Dutch Theme in Liverpool’s Recruitment Plans

Van de Ven is not the only Dutch-linked player Liverpool are monitoring. Reports suggest that PSV winger Johan Bakayoko is also a target, continuing a theme of Dutch influence under Slot’s leadership.

Additionally, a recent update from Mohamed Salah’s agent has hinted at the Egyptian staying at the club, a decision that could influence Liverpool’s transfer priorities.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool’s pursuit of Micky van de Ven feels both exciting and necessary. With concerns over Van Dijk’s longevity and Konaté’s uncertain future, reinforcing the backline is critical. Van de Ven’s raw pace and ability to play from the left side of defence address a clear gap in the squad.

Fans will trust Slot’s judgement, especially given his knowledge of Dutch talent, even though Van de Ven’s development occurred outside the Eredivisie. However, some may question whether Liverpool should prioritise a Premier League-proven defender like Marc Guehi, especially if Van de Ven’s fee proves excessive.

If Liverpool are serious about returning to the summit of European football, depth and versatility in defence are paramount. Van de Ven may not have Champions League experience, but under Slot, he could thrive at Anfield.