Liverpool are not currently targeting Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven as a potential replacement for Ibrahima Konate, says journalist Ben Jacobs.
However, despite the low possibility of a move this summer, the Reds could reportedly have an eye on the Spurs stopper for 2027.
Liverpool may need to sign a new centre-back in the coming months after failing to agree a new contract with Ibrahima Konate, but according to Jacobs, they may also keep faith in their current options and wait and see what happens with Van de Ven.
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Liverpool may not sign another centre-back
Liverpool certainly have plenty to think about in terms of their centre-back options. Not only is Konate leaving, but Virgil van Dijk is slated to depart in 12 months’ time as well.
Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are expected to step up, but Liverpool could do with a little more depth added this summer.
Speaking to Liverpool fan podcast Born N’ Red, though, Jacobs says that Konate’s exit does not necessarily mean the Reds will bring in another player who can start alongside Van Dijk.
“We do need to keep an eye on defence,” he said.
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“Konate going doesn’t automatically mean they’ll sign a kind of flagship centre-back due to the faith they have in Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, plus the fact that Virgil van Dijk has another year left on his contract.
“In the long run at some point, whether it’s this summer, January or next summer, another important centre-back is going to arrive.”
Van de Ven move could come in 2027
Going on to speak specifically about Van de Ven, Jacobs says that while the Dutchman would definitely be keen to join Liverpool, a move is currently not expected this summer.
“People have asked me about Micky van de Ven in particular. My information is that if Liverpool made a move, Van de Ven would want to move in a heartbeat,” he explained.
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“His whole family are Liverpool fans, he would absolutely want to go to Liverpool, I think above all other clubs, including Barcelona, if Liverpool entered the race.
“This summer may not be the right time for Liverpool because Van Dijk is ultimately still there, so perhaps Liverpool, if they are interested in Van de Ven, would see more logic in doing that in 2027. That’s why at the moment nothing is really developing as it stands.”
The reporter went on to say that a Spurs exit is not guaranteed for the 25-year-old, however, with a ‘stick or twist’ moment coming up regarding a potential contract extension.
“Tottenham are going to push to get him to sign a new deal and he’s actually really enjoying playing under Roberto De Zerbi, so it’s kind of a stick or twist moment for Van de Ven,” Jacobs said. “Is he going to agitate for a move?”
“Barca are definitely one of the clubs that have looked at him, or is he prepared to put faith in the Spurs project and sign under De Zerbi. For Liverpool at the moment it’s more of a watching brief.”
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