(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 6 March 2026 11:32, UK

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Micky van de Ven is not happy at Tottenham Hotspur and has his sights set on a move away from the North London club in the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old was sent off as Igor Tudor’s side lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace adding to the growing feeling that Spurs could be relegated after a disastrous season.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Van de Ven is one of a number of players already eyeing a potential exit.

Tottenham had been keen to tie the Netherlands international down to a new contract, but talks have stalled as a result of their recent performances and growing interest.

The likes of Barcelona and Liverpool have taken an interest in the centre-back’s situation, while Tottenham are laying the groundwork for a defensive overhaul amid fears of an exodus.

Micky van de Ven closes in on Tottenham exit

Football Insider revealed in January that Van de Ven could push to leave Tottenham this summer if their form does not improve by the end of the season.

Nottingham Forest and West Ham are currently separating Spurs from the relegation zone, but both have shown better signs of improvement than their rivals.

Relegation would inevitable see Tottenham forced to sell players, but there is now a feeling that even if they don’t go down, Van de Ven will look to move on.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Obviously, there’s a chance if Tottenham don’t qualify for Europe, some of their best players will be looking to move on.

“Van de Ven is no different. It wouldn’t be an easy deal to prise him out of Tottenham because he’s under contract until 2029 and has been the captain in Romero’s absence.

“He’s such a key player for Tottenham, but it’s been a disappointing season and the players are not happy with where they find themselves right now as well.

“So it’s no surprise that other clubs are monitoring his situation.

“If Spurs were to get relegated, you would imagine Van de Ven would be among a number of players who’d be seeking a move out of Tottenham.

“He’s not rushing into signing any new contract at Tottenham, and has delayed contract talks there.

“That might open the door for clubs to make offers for him this summer, and I’m sure Spurs are well aware of that.”

Tottenham plot move to sign centre-back replacement

Van de Ven is not the only Spurs player being linked with a move away, as Cristian Romero is also widely expected to leave Tottenham this summer.

Should Tudor prove unable to lead them away from a relegation battle, and ultimately miss out on qualifying for Europe, clubs could look to exploit Spurs’ situation.

Football Insider revealed on 23 February that Tottenham want to sign new centre-backs and are already working to replace both of their top centre-backs.

Van de Ven and Romero have been tipped as two leading players who could make the move, and alternative centre-back options are now being assessed behind the scenes.

If they are relegated from the Premier League this season, both players will inevitably leave, but failure to qualify for European competitions could also push them out.