Barcelona are reportedly ready to formalize their long-standing interest in a Premier League standout, with target Micky van der Ven being the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle.
The high-profile signing will join a small shortlist of candidates for the position of a left-sided centre back, but his growing frustration with Tottenham’s supporters and the club’s recent form could tilt the race decisively in Barcelona’s favour.
Admired for his rare blend of explosive pace and progressive ball-carrying, Van de Ven is widely seen as the final piece in Barcelona’s defensive rebuild. His ability to defend one-on-one in open space, combined with his composure in possession, makes him a priority target as the club seeks to strengthen its back line this summer, with the Dutchman earmarked to succeed Iñigo Martínez on the left side of central defence.
Following in his idol's footsteps
On the British podcast series, The Overlap, Van de Ven admitted his recent praise for Carles Puyol, fueling speculation that the Dutchman is keen on a move to the Camp Nou. That rumour will go down well in Barcelona, given that his admittance
"“He was an elite player, a true leader at Barcelona. He wasn’t even that tall for a central defender, but he always headed corners and scored a lot of goals."Speaking on The Overlap
The Dutchman offers a modern twist on the Barcelona center-back role, utilizing his pace and ability to drive forward in ways that differentiate him from the Puyol era. While the club legend was the master of positioning and grit, Van de Ven’s game is built on athletic recovery and distribution, making him a perfect fit for the current tactical demands of the squad.
Forcing himself out?
As discussed on Hotspur HQ, there are signs of the former Wolfsburg man seeking an exit from North London with fans noticing certain elements of his behaviour.
First came the infamous handshake snub of Thomas Frank after a disappointing defeat. Then followed the confrontation with supporters after the loss to AFC Bournemouth, when a disputed VAR decision denied him a penalty. While the Frank incident was largely brushed aside amid growing frustration among Spurs fans toward the Danish manager, turning on his own supporters may have been a far more telling moment.