Tottenham are resolutely against the idea of selling Mickey van de Ven, even with Liverpool reportedly keen on the player. The 25-year-old Dutchman has emerged as a prime candidate for the Merseysiders as they seek a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, but Spurs are fully committed to their captain's future.
In August, van de Ven signed a new contract that runs until 2031, and he was also appointed captain. This leaves Tottenham in a strong position, both financially and contractually, to retain one of their key defenders.
According to journalist Pit O'Rourke:
Tottenham are completely calm about the situation. In August, the club secured a new contract for van de Ven until 2031.
All the cards are in Tottenham's hands. Plus, with van de Ven being made captain, it’s hard to see the club wanting to lose such an important player.
O'Rourke states that the position of the London club is unyielding:
Tottenham have no intention of considering a sale in the foreseeable future. The top players always attract interest, but he has a long-term contract, and Tottenham are building their plans around Mickey van de Ven.
Liverpool's interest in the Dutchman is thought to stem from their search for a long-term successor to van Dijk. With his speed, physicality, and Premier League experience, van de Ven fits the bill, but his contract until 2031 puts Tottenham in a commanding position.
Interestingly, the solution to Liverpool's dilemma might already be within their ranks. 21-year-old Jeremy Doku has started his career at Anfield positively and has impressed alongside van Dijk.
The Frenchman also made a strong impression in his first full match for the senior national team during the international break. His rapid development could potentially save Liverpool from splashing out on a new central defender.
Thus, while van de Ven remains an attractive option for the future, the circumstances do not favour such a transfer at the moment: Tottenham are unwilling to part ways with their captain, and Liverpool have a growing candidate ready to step into the role of van Dijk's successor.
