Micky van de Ven Expected to Exit Relegation-Threatened Tottenham with Preferred Move to Liverpool

Micky van de Ven is set to leave Tottenham if they are relegated. Reports indicate he would pick a move to Liverpool over Man Utd to play with Virgil van Dijk.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 6:24 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Looming Exodus in North London

The prospect of Tottenham Hotspur dropping out of the Premier League has triggered widespread speculation regarding the future of their most valuable assets. Following a disastrous 2025/26 campaign that has left Spurs two points adrift of safety, Micky van de Ven has emerged as the most likely high-profile departure. Roberto De Zerbi, recently appointed to save the club from the drop, faces a monumental task in retaining his star defender. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs noted that while the club remains hopeful of a survival act, the internal consensus is that Van de Ven will seek a move to a Champions League-level side this summer.

The Duel Between North West Giants

Manchester United and Liverpool have both identified the Dutch international as a priority target to bolster their aging defensive lines. United have reportedly "kept an eye" on Van de Ven's situation as a potential long-term successor to Harry Maguire, though they have yet to make a formal approach to Tottenham or the player's representatives. Liverpool, meanwhile, are in the market for a left-sided center-back to eventually transition away from the Virgil van Dijk era. The rivalry for Van de Ven's signature is expected to intensify as the season reaches its climax in May.

A Personal Preference for Anfield

According to Ben Jacobs, if both Manchester United and Liverpool enter the race, Van de Ven is "only making one decision." The defender reportedly holds a strong preference for Liverpool, driven by both professional and personal ties. Van de Ven and his family are known supporters of the Merseyside club, and the opportunity to link up with national team captain Virgil van Dijk is seen as a decisive factor. With Van Dijk entering the final year of his contract, Liverpool is pitching a "succession plan" where Van de Ven would initially partner his compatriot before taking over as the defensive leader.