Micky van de Ven might well be one of the transfer stories of the summer, and Ange Postecoglou recently explained why he’s not already a Liverpool player.
FSG have work to do in the market next summer.
If Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation at Liverpool isn’t resolved, recruiting an elite centre-back will be at the top of the list.
Van de Ven has been linked with Liverpool for months, and he represents an exciting transfer opportunity.
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He could have been brought to Anfield a few years ago, but Postecoglou was able to lure him to Tottenham for one reason — parental demands.
Ange Postecoglou reveals why Micky van de Ven didn’t go to Liverpool
Liverpool have admired the Dutchman since his Wolfsburg, and were interested in signing him before he went to North London.
There was one important factor that spurred Van de Ven’s decision to join Postecoglou, and the Australian told all on a recent episode of Stick To Football.
He reveals: “I remember when we signed him, because I think Liverpool were in for him at the time as well, and I met his dad and let me tell you about his dad.
“Well, his dad was on the interview with Yeah. He’s a big influencer. Oh yeah. I mean, he’s not talking out of turn, but he was like secret service. He’s a hard man, mate. He’s like, you know, I remember him saying to me, he goes, ‘Listen, he’s got options, but he’s coming here to play. He better play.’”
That quote alone spells out why Liverpool weren’t able to tempt him.
Van de Ven is a left-footed centre-back who would have been automatically second-choice behind another Dutchman, Virgil van Dijk.
If playing time was his number one priority, it’s easy to understand why the move to Liverpool never materialised.
Liverpool can try again for Micky van de Ven
As we mentioned at the start, Liverpool might need to sign a top centre-back this summer. If that’s the case, Van de Ven could now be a viable option.
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He has been hesitant to commit to Spurs past the end of his contract, and he won’t be any more keen after Thomas Frank was sacked.
His team are in dire straits, and it’s unlikely they will be competing for trophies any time soon.
Playing time will be more accessible if Konate leaves. It may require Van Dijk to shift over to the right to accommodate his new teammate, but Van de Ven would be worth changing things around for.
It’s just a question of how much Spurs will demand.
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