Tottenham Hotspur could look to another Premier League star to replace Micky van de Ven
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Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to avoid a catastrophic relegation this season ahead of the opportunity to rebuild over the summer for a new era.
The north London club reportedly dream of the return of former manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently the USA national team manager and might consider a return to his former club even if they are relegated, as per GiveMeSport. But to remain a Premier League club next summer is critical on many levels, not least to aid Spurs’ transfer business. Major exits might be in the offing either way but the level of squad clear-out that the club could be forced into if things do not go to plan could reach unprecedented heights.
Star defender Micky van de Ven has been linked with a summer transfer exit for some time and Spurs might be forced to search for a replacement for the 24-year-old, which will prove a difficult task.
Spurs should sign Van de Ven’s Netherlands team-mate as perfect successor
If Van de Ven were to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, Spurs should look to his Netherlands international team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke and attempt to lure the centre-back away from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 25-year-old is approaching the final year of his deal and the Seagulls might be forced into a sale this summer as a result, amidst reports that he has already rejected contract extension approaches from the south coast outfit. A club with Brighton’s sustainable business plan on the transfer market is unlikely to allow one of their prize assets run down his deal and could make a huge profit on a player they signed for just £3m in 2020.
Reports by TEAMtalk in December stated that Tottenham were ‘primed’ to secure a move for Van Hecke, while Brighton retain hope that their defensive ‘leader’ will sign a new deal at the club. It might cost Spurs or other interested parties as much as £40m to prise Van Hecke away from the Amex, as per the report, with the north Londoners linked for the last couple of transfer windows.
Van Hecke would be ideal for Spurs amid Van de Ven to Barcelona links
Former NAC Breda defender Van Hecke has become a reliable performer in the Premier League and would adequately replace many of the qualities Spurs would be missing without Van de Ven. Amongst these is his ability to contribute with goals at the other end, registering three goals and two assists this term, while he boasts the highest average rating in the Albion squad this season with 6.96 according to WhoScored.
He would certainly be missed at his current employers, but the Seagulls are experienced at replacing their star men and would hope to so again if he can be convinced of a move to north London this summer – which could be a difficult task as things stand, but the arrival of Pochettino could change that.
As for Van de Ven, the Spurs defender might already have his heart set on departing this summer. Latest reports by Sport in Spain state that Barcelona are considering a move for the 24-year-old, who is said to be ‘desperate to move’ as per the report. He could be available for a cut-price fee of less than £55m, Barca club chiefs feel, with Liverpool and Real Madrid also holding a long-standing interest.