Spurs boss insists Dutch defender remains central to the club’s plans amid Liverpool and Real Madrid interest
Thomas Frank has delivered a clear message to the clubs allegedly tracking Micky van de Ven, stressing that Tottenham have no intention of letting one of their most important players slip away this summer.
The 24-year-old Netherlands international is under contract at Tottenham until 2029, but uncertainty has crept in after talks over a revised deal failed to gain momentum.
With Spurs again drifting in the bottom half of the Premier League, speculation has grown that Van de Ven may question whether the club can match his ambitions at the top level.
That backdrop has sharpened interest from elsewhere. Liverpool have stepped up their monitoring of the centre back after losing out to Manchester City in the race to sign Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace.
Real Madrid have also been credited with long standing admiration, adding to the sense that Tottenham could face significant pressure once the transfer window opens. When asked about Van de Ven’s future, the Spurs coach made his stance unmistakably clear.
“He’s definitely a player we should prioritise,” Frank said, while acknowledging uncertainty over the status of negotiations. “Definitely, for me, Micky is a key player for this team and this club and hopefully for many years to come.
“He has what it takes to be an even better player and I’ve no doubt he can help us to get us to where we want to be in the future.”
”He’s a very important player for us, Micky is a Tottenham Hotspur player now and for the future”
Thomas Frank on the future of Micky van de Ven with the Dutch international linked with Liverpool, discussing his potential ‘£100m’ price tag ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/duu47guK5B
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 22, 2026
From smart signing to defensive leader
Tottenham paid Wolfsburg £34.5 million for Van de Ven in the summer of 2023, a move that quickly proved inspired. His blend of electric pace, calm distribution, and confidence carrying the ball out from defence transformed Spurs’ back line almost immediately.
This season has underlined just how influential he has become. Van de Ven has scored six goals in all competitions, an impressive return for a central defender, highlighted by a stunning solo effort against Copenhagen in the Champions League in November.
Beyond the goals, his role within the squad has grown. Van de Ven has been elevated to Tottenham’s leadership group and has captained the side in the absence of Cristian Romero.
Frank was keen to address suggestions that the defender may already be looking elsewhere. Asked directly whether Van de Ven remained happy in North London, the manager pointed to recent moments inside the dressing room.
“I just saw him, and he seemed very happy, smiling,” Frank said on Thursday. “He was happy after the game that we won when he was in the changing room after the game.
“Micky is an excellent player and a fantastic ambassador for this club. He has potentially the best season he’s had so far.
“He’s fit, he’s strong, good defensively. He’s growing as a leader, scoring goals as well. He’s a very important player for us this season and for the future.”