Arne Slot is pushing Liverpool to get a deal done for Tottenham Hotspur star Micky Van de Ven this summer to take advantage of their woes, according to Sports Boom.
The Reds had a difficult season in 2025/26 as they finished fifth in the Premier League with 13 defeats and over 50 goals conceded, while they also went trophyless, just a year after winning the Premier League title.
Tottenham, on the other hand, avoided relegation on the final day of the season by defeating Everton, and have already moved quickly in the market to strengthen the squad, with deals agreed for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. But now Liverpool are considering testing their resolve to keep a top star.
Liverpool Consider Van de Ven Bid
Van de Ven, who has been described as 'world-class', has been heavily linked with a move away from north London this summer after their poor performances.
The Netherlands international is understood to be a fan of the Anfield club and would prioritise a move to Merseyside over any other, and Slot is keen to strengthen his defensive options with big question marks surrounding the future of Ibrahima Konate.
Jeremy Jacquet will be arriving after a deal was pre-agreed in January, but Slot is now pushing the club to make a significant bid for the Tottenham star to further strengthen their options with Virgil Van Dijk turning 35 before the new season starts, and Joe Gomez potentially on his way out too.
Van de Ven is understood to be open to a move away from the club, although he is unlikely to push now after enjoying his time under Roberto De Zerbi. Tottenham are braced for interest, however, and would demand 'big money' to let him leave after avoiding a drop down to the Championship.
De Zerbi wants to keep the 25-year-old, but accepts some members of his squad may look to move on to play European football, including Van de Ven.
Van de Ven Would Be Perfect for Liverpool
Liverpool need to prioritise strengthening their defence this summer, and a player like Van de Ven would be a real statement of intent.
While he struggled this year at Spurs, so did everyone else, and he has shown his quality in recent seasons in the Premier League and Champions League. He's a weapon in both boxes at set-pieces, is incredibly quick, and can also play at left-back if necessary, which helps too.
Spurs obviously won't make it easy for them to take him, but Liverpool have shown in the past that they aren't afraid to splash the cash if they deem it necessary, and this should be one of those instances.