Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Micky van de Ven would choose Liverpool over Manchester United if both clubs make formal offers this summer
- Trusted reporter Ben Jacobs (talkSPORT) stated with “absolute confidence” that van de Ven picks Liverpool between the two clubs
- Van de Ven is a self-confessed Liverpool fan and has family connections to the club
- He would link up with compatriot Virgil van Dijk at Anfield and succeed him after van Dijk’s contract expires in 2027
- Tottenham value van de Ven between £60m–£80m, with some reports suggesting the price could approach £100m if relegation occurs
- If Tottenham avoid relegation, van de Ven may extend his stay, especially after Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment
- If Spurs are relegated, van de Ven will “almost certainly leave,” according to Jacobs
- Manchester United have made zero approaches to Spurs or the player as of late April 2026
- Liverpool are actively looking for a left-sided centre-back to eventually succeed van Dijk
- Van de Ven set a Premier League record sprint speed of 37.38 km/h in 2024 but has recurring injury concerns
Manchester United FC(Manchester Mirror) May 08, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has clearly indicated he would choose Liverpool over Manchester United if both clubs submit formal transfer offers this summer, according to trusted reporter Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT. The Netherlands international, who is a self-confessed Liverpool supporter, would opt for Anfield “without hesitation,” TEAMtalk reported.
- Key Points
- Why Does Van de Ven Prefer Liverpool Over Man United?
- Will Van de Ven Stay at Tottenham If They Avoid Relegation?
- Has Manchester United Made an Approach for Van de Ven?
- How Could Van de Ven Fit Into Liverpool’s Defence?
- What Are Van de Ven’s Injury Concerns?
- Background: How This Transfer Situation Developed
- Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Premier League Fans
- For Manchester United Supporters
- For Premier League Viewers Across the UK
- For Football Discussion in Pubs, Clubs and Universities Across the UK
As reported by Rob McCarthy of TEAMtalk, Jacobs told The United Stand:
“if, and it is an ‘if’, Liverpool enter the race, Van de Ven is only making one decision between Liverpool and Manchester United, and he is picking Liverpool. And I say that with absolute confidence, if both clubs were to enter the race, Van de Ven’s preference would be Liverpool over Manchester United”.
Why Does Van de Ven Prefer Liverpool Over Man United?
As reported by TEAMtalk, van de Ven’s preference is driven by several factors:
He is a boyhood Liverpool fan and has family ties to the clubHe would partner with fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk, whom he knows from the Netherlands national team Van Dijk’s contract expires in 2027, offering van de Ven a clear path to become Liverpool’s first-choice left-sided centre-back Liverpool are likely to offer Champions League football, while Tottenham face possible relegation
As reported by the Daily Mail in January, Liverpool management had rekindled interest in van de Ven, and indications are that the feeling is mutual.
Will Van de Ven Stay at Tottenham If They Avoid Relegation?
Yes, his exit becomes less certain if Spurs stay in the Premier League.
As reported by Jacobs:
“I’m told by Tottenham sources, if Spurs stay up Romero is still likely to leave and better chance now of Van de Ven extending at Tottenham than going after the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi”.
Has Manchester United Made an Approach for Van de Ven?
No. As of late April 2026, Manchester United have not made any formal move.
As reported by Jacobs:
“He is someone Man Utd are keeping an eye on. There has been no approach to Spurs, and as of now, there has been zero approach to the player side from Manchester United”.
Manchester United are keeping van de Ven under observation as a centre-back targetThey have the financial muscle and a Champions League place under interim manager Michael Carrick to attract top talentNonetheless, Jacobs said: “the bad news for Man United on Micky van de Ven is if Liverpool enter the race, Van de Ven is only making one decision … and he is picking Liverpool”
How Could Van de Ven Fit Into Liverpool’s Defence?
Van de Ven would provide pace and long-term succession planning for Virgil van Dijk.
- In 2024, he set a Premier League record sprint speed of 37.38 km/h (Sky Sports)
- James Pearce has emphasised speed in Liverpool’s summer transfer strategy, and van de Ven “brings that to the table”
- He has scored seven goals this season, surpassed by only four Liverpool players, showing set-piece threat
- However, Fotmob data suggests he is below league average in tackles, interceptions and blocks
- Liverpool are “scouring the market for a long-term, left-sided successor” to van Dijk
Van de Ven would likely partner van Dijk for one season before moving into a pivotal role on the left of centre-back.
What Are Van de Ven’s Injury Concerns?
Despite his quality, van de Ven has a “chequered injury record.”
As reported by TEAMtalk, Liverpool are proceeding with caution due to his recurring hamstring, thigh and knee problems that have limited availability at key moments since joining Tottenham in 2023.
He has only missed one match due to injury this season, even as Tottenham endure one of their most challenging campaigns.
Background: How This Transfer Situation Developed
Three years ago, van de Ven was heavily associated with a move to Liverpool while playing for Wolfsburg, and negotiations occurred between the two clubs, but Tottenham acted more decisively and secured his signature for an initial £43m.
Liverpool remain short-handed in defence and identified van de Ven as a “potential target” in their search for a new centre-back as early as January 2026, according to Goal.com. As reported by the Daily Mail, Liverpool cultivated “strong interest” in van de Ven, though he has so far declined fresh contract terms despite Spurs wanting to elevate him among their top earners.
TEAMtalk reported in February 2026 that United, Liverpool and Real Madrid are keen to sign him, with Spurs unable to reach a new contract agreement. Van de Ven’s current deal runs until 2029, but he is now weighing his options.
Tottenham’s disastrous campaign, with the club languishing in 15th place and fighting relegation, has intensified speculation that key players will leave, regardless of whether they avoid the drop. The appointment of Roberto De Zerbi has slightly improved the chance of van de Ven extending his stay if relegation is avoided.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Premier League Fans
This transfer development can affect Premier League fans in several clear ways.
For Manchester United Supporters
- United fans will watch whether a high-profile Premier League centre-back stays in the top flight or drops to the Championship if Tottenham are relegated
- If van de Ven moves to Liverpool, United supporters will see a direct rival strengthen their defence with a pacey, record-breaking sprinter
- If Tottenham are relegated and van de Ven leaves, it underscores the gap between struggling Premier League clubs and stable top-flight sides like Liverpool, which may influence local expectations about English football’s competitive balance
For Premier League Viewers Across the UK
- A van de Ven move to Liverpool would create a high-profile Dutch partnership with van Dijk at Anfield, likely boosting match viewership across the region
- His record speed and goal threat could make Liverpool’s defence more exciting for fans who follow live matches and highlights
- If he instead stays at a relegation-threatened Tottenham or moves to a Championship club, fans may see reduced Premier League visibility of one of England’s fastest centre-backs next season
For Football Discussion in Pubs, Clubs and Universities Across the UK
- Football conversations in pubs, fan clubs and university societies will likely focus on:
- As a neutral journalist, it must be noted that no definitive transfer has occurred yet: van de Ven’s move depends on Tottenham’s final league position, Liverpool’s formal bid, and Spurs’ willingness to sell at £60m–£80m or higher
This development does not guarantee a transfer, but it clearly shifts the balance of the race in Liverpool’s favour and could shape how fans view Liverpool’s defence, Manchester United’s recruitment strategy, and Tottenham’s future in the Premier League.
