Report: Liverpool set to battle Man United in the race for Premier League defender

That is not a declaration of intent. It is not even a warning shot. It is simply the reality of modern football. Players assess direction as much as contracts. If Spurs stay up, they can point to stability, salary, importance and a long term plan. If they go down, the conversation changes instantly.

Tottenham sources are said to insist there is no desire to sell, no release clause, and no pressure to cash in. Yet relegation, or even prolonged dysfunction, has a way of reshaping certainty. A valuation between £60m and £80m, plus possible wages of around £200,000 per week, would make this a serious investment for any club.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich Add Intrigue

Liverpool and United are not alone. Caught Offside also highlights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as names to watch. Madrid’s interest feels especially logical, given their need to refresh central defence and their long standing awareness of Van de Ven from his Wolfsburg days.

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Bayern’s position appears less urgent, unless Kim Min-jae leaves, but elite clubs rarely ignore opportunity. If Van de Ven becomes even remotely attainable, the market will not stay quiet.

Van de Ven Profile Fits Modern Elite Football

What makes Van de Ven attractive is not only his defending, but his suitability for high risk football. His speed allows a team to squeeze the pitch. His left foot gives balance. His physicality suits England, while his technical base suits Europe.

For Tottenham, that is precisely why losing him would sting. He represents the sort of player around whom a rebuild should be built, not the sort moved on to fund one.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s point of view, this is the kind of report that immediately feels worth tracking, even if it remains early. Van de Ven looks like a Liverpool centre-back in almost every meaningful way. He is quick, aggressive, comfortable carrying the ball and capable of defending large spaces, which is vital for a side that wants to dominate territory rather than sit deep.

The obvious question is cost. £60m to £80m and wages around £200,000 per week would put him firmly in marquee signing territory. Liverpool would need to be absolutely convinced he is not merely a good defender in a poor Spurs side, but someone who can become a long term pillar at Anfield.

There is also the Tottenham factor. Daniel Levy does not make these deals easy, especially with domestic rivals. If Spurs survive, the price probably becomes painful. If they go down, everything changes, and Liverpool would surely have to test the waters.

For supporters, the appeal is obvious. Virgil van Dijk cannot play forever, Ibrahima Konaté’s contract picture has invited debate, and Liverpool need pace at centre-back if they want to keep playing front foot football. Van de Ven would not be a cheap solution, but he could be a transformative one.

This feels like one to file under serious interest, not certainty. Still, if Liverpool are building for the next cycle, Van de Ven should be on the shortlist.