If reported Real Madrid target Micky van de Ven avoids injury this season, Tottenham Hotspur will find it “completely impossible” to keep him, says Tim Sherwood.
Real Madrid have been linked with the Tottenham defender who scored an attention-grabbing solo goal in Wednesday’s Champions League match against FC Copenhagen.
Micky van de Ven’s Copenhagen goal breaks record
Longest ball carry in Champions League history to score (67.7 metres) Breaks the previous record (64.4 metres) set by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior in October 2024 Short of Son Heung-min’s winning goal for Puskas against Burnley in 2019 (72.3 metres)
F365 talks: Micky van de Ven is certain to move to Real Madrid
Van de Ven picked up the ball on the edge of his own box and, with incredible speed, weaved past several Copenhagen players and beat Dominik Kotarski.
It will probably be remembered as the goal of this season’s Champions League, and it reminded everyone of Van de Ven’s ability when he ran at full speed with the ball in his hands.
He had a similarly mesmerizing run against Manchester United last September, assisting Brennan Johnson, but he and Spurs failed to make an impact in the Premier League, finishing a dismal 17th place.
What assists has Micky van de Ven made so far this season? Thank you.
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 30, 2024
That’s why Spurs are playing in Europe this season, having beaten the Red Devils in the Europa League final under manager Ange Postecoglou, and Van de Ven played a big part in that, producing an acrobatic clearance off the goal line with his team leading 1-0.
The Dutchman missed the 2024-25 campaign due to injury but has remained unscathed this season, with former Spurs manager Sherwood believing it would be “impossible” to keep Madrid in the cause if he stays fit, while also joking that Copenhagen’s players were “blindfolded” by his wonder goal.
“Obviously it was a great goal scored by Micky van de Ven,” Sherwood said on Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer on Saturday.
“It was unbelievable. But to be honest, all the players in Copenhagen were blindfolded, right? I mean, he just ran through and they let him go. It was unbelievable… it was amazing.”
“Look, if he stays fit, it’s impossible for Tottenham to keep him. Absolutely impossible. This kid is top draw. But it’s just an injury.”
Van de Ven’s move to Real Madrid is inevitable…if there are certain conditions
As Tickers has already written, Van de Ven seems destined for a big-money move to the Spanish capital.
He is rarely overtaken defensively and is clearly a demon of speed, making him a threat in the attacking penalty area. That pace has saved him and Spurs many times in the past and will continue to do so as long as he remains in north London.
Players moving from Spurs to Madrid is nothing new, and if the Spanish giants decide to do so, Van de Ven would be downright foolish not to push for it.
Xabi Alonso’s side are keen to sign a new centre-back, with Bosman potentially replacing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehy next summer, but Van de Ven’s name has been kept coming up.
It’s a great deal for them, a great move for the player and a blow for Spurs. Spurs will pounce when the time comes and will undoubtedly demand a fee in excess of £70m. But, as Sherwood says, a lot will depend on whether Van de Ven can stay healthy.
If Romero leaves Spurs, Van de Ven will too.
With interest in Van de Ven growing, it’s no surprise that manager Thomas Frank is keen to extend his contract.
According to transfer journalist Graham Bailey, the 24-year-old is “very happy at Tottenham”, but his future depends somewhat on the future of centre-back partner Cristian Romero. Bailey told The Boot Room:
“A new contract for Van de Ven has emerged as one of Tottenham’s priorities under manager Vinay Venkatesham and negotiations have already been underway since the summer.
“But it goes both ways, and Van de Ven is very happy at Tottenham. He has settled in admirably since his arrival and has now emerged as one of the best players in the Premier League, and his partnership with Cristian Romero is on par with anything in the game.”
“Romero has a role to play here. His decision not to seek a transfer in the summer has influenced Van de Ven, who is ready to sign after him and he will be rewarded on similar terms to his Argentine colleague.”
“Yes, we are aware that both Spurs and Van de Ven are interested. That is undeniable. Spurs believe he is one of the best players anywhere in Europe and they recognize that with this prospective new contract. Negotiations are expected to accelerate this month.”
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