22-year-old says Liverpool have definitely been watching him, he’s got ‘huge potential’

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Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven has claimed that he knows Liverpool have been following him in the past.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a potential candidate in Liverpool’s search for a new centre-back. Reports from earlier this month have claimed that the Reds are keen to enter into talks with Wolfsburg over a transfer.

With all this in mind, Dutch outlet Voetbal International questioned Van de Ven over the links to Liverpool.

“Of course I’ve heard that too, read it. But like I said, the media also needs to have something to write,” said the Netherlands U21 star. “Of course, there are a lot of people who draw lines. It’s true that the director [Jorg Schmadtke] went there and I know Liverpool followed me before. But right now, I don’t know anything. Do I think Liverpool is a great club? Of course!

“If there is a good club that has a clear plan with me, then I could consider a step. Then you are open to that in that sense. There is a chance that I will just play in the Bundesliga after this summer, but there is also a chance that I will make a transfer. We’ll see. Let’s finish this season first.”

Liverpool pondering van de Ven

Before Liverpool start to think about a new defensive addition, they need to get themselves sorted with the midfield. But once they get that all done and dusted, attention should swiftly turn to beefing up the back-line.

On paper, Jurgen Klopp doesn’t look all that short. In terms of numbers, Liverpool have two clear first picks – Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate – with Joel Matip and Joe Gomez offering a good level in reserve.

Remarkably, they still have Nat Phillips at the club, while Sepp van den Berg may still have a shot at a first team place.

Dig beyond that though, and the need for new blood is clear. Both Matip and Van Dijk turn 32 this summer, with the former out of contract in a year’s time.

Gomez’s level hasn’t been good enough for a while now, while Konate has had his injury issues. Its time to bring another in.

As things stand, Van de Ven would seem the most likely candidate for that. He’s obviously aware of interest from the Reds and the Schmadtke link is one which cannot be ignored.

He’d come highly rated, having been called a player with ‘huge potential’ by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer back in March [vfl-wolfsburg.de]. Van de Ven’s star is on the rise. As he continues to get better and better, Liverpool will be watching.