Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has largely impressed under Thomas Frank and throughout his time in north London, so much so that he's now attracting serious rumoured interest from Real Madrid.
Real Madrid turn to Tottenham star Micky van de Ven as 2026 target
The Dutchman, signed from Wolfsburg during the very start of Ange Postecoglou's era in charge, formed an absolutely stellar partnership with Cristian Romero over his first two seasons.
Romero was reportedly on Real's shortlist of targets before the Argentine committed his future to N17 by penning a brand-new £195,000-per-week contract, which made him Spurs' joint-highest earner alongside summer signing Xavi Simons.
Van de Ven and Romero once starred in Postecoglou's high line, which was a key reason for Tottenham's success and qualification for the Europa League in 2023/2024.
Last season, Tottenham conceded just 20 goals in the 18 games they started together, with the duo's injury problems throughout 24/25 seriously crippling Spurs.
With Romero tied down and van de Ven continuing to impress this season, it is believed that Real are now eyeing a move for the latter as Xabi Alonso looks to bolster his central defensive options in 2026.
Tottenham are reportedly ready to double van de Ven's wages in an attempt to keep him out of their clutches, with Chelsea also believed to be interested in the ex-Bundesliga star amid Enzo Maresca's hunt for new centre-backs (Graeme Bailey).
Losing the pacey, powerful and commanding centre-half would be a major blow for Frank, and journalist Dean Jones has sent a warning to Tottenham about Real's interest.
Tottenham sent Micky van de Ven a warning amid head-turning Real Madrid plan
Speaking to TEAMtalk, Jones reports that Real are planning to "turn people's heads" with a statement defensive signing, and despite Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate being Alonso's main target, an alternative move for van de Ven cannot be ruled out.
Commenting on Real's "interesting" van de Ven links, he's "heard" that this could be one to watch.
“I was told Konate was the one they have considered most likely but clearly they have eyes on other players too," said Jones.
"It is interesting that they are also now being linked with Micky van de Ven because I have heard that this might be a situation to watch across this season.
“At this stage I don’t believe there is any contact involved or anything like that, but Madrid want to turn people’s heads and if Van de Ven looks to raise his profile from Spurs then it is feasible he would see Madrid as a potential place to move to.
“I think he has been a player of interest to them for quite a while, so we will have to wait and see if they make the jump to a more active pursuit.”
Defenders of his calibre, age and ability are few and far between.
Van de Ven’s recovery speed is arguably his biggest asset. Time and again, he bailed Spurs out with last-ditch tackles or blistering sprints to snuff out counter-attacks during Postecoglou's reign, and he's been equally imperative for Frank.
talkSPORT's Jamie O'Hara went as far to say that Romero and van de Ven are the best centre-back partnership in the world right now, and either player would stroll into Alonso's starting eleven at the Bernabeu.