Barcelona add €65m Tottenham star to centre-back shortlist | OneFootball

The centre-back is one of the positions FC Barcelona appear to be prioritising for reinforcement going forward. Following the departure of Inigo Martinez last summer, the Catalans are determined to bring in a left-footed defender who can be an undisputed starter alongside Pau Cubarsi and a long-term pillar at the back.

Barcelona’s sporting department has explored several high-profile options in recent months, including Alessandro Bastoni, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Marc Guehi, although the latter does not fit the left-footed profile the club ideally wants. Now, according to SPORT, a less obvious but increasingly attractive name has emerged on the Blaugrana shortlist.

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That player is Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven. The Dutch international is keen to leave the London club this summer as he looks to take the next step in his career, and a move to Barcelona would be his preferred destination.

Internally, Barça view the signing of a centre back as a strategic operation and believe resources can be made available, especially if the chosen player prioritises the club despite strong market competition.

Van de Ven fits Barcelona’s sporting criteria well. At 24 years of age, he combines elite pace, strong ball-playing ability, and tactical versatility. In addition to his natural role as a left-sided centre back, he can also operate at left back, a trait that adds further value given Barça’s evolving defensive needs.

The Dutchman joined Tottenham in 2023 from Wolfsburg for €40 million after developing at Volendam and impressing in the Bundesliga. Since arriving in the Premier League, he has established himself as one of Spurs’ most reliable performers and is currently valued at around €65 million by Transfermarkt.

While Tottenham are traditionally difficult to negotiate with, reports from England suggest the player’s desire to leave is firm, and the club would prefer to sell him outside the Premier League, which could work in Barcelona’s favour.

Competition remains a major factor. Bastoni continues to be the dream target, but his price could exceed €80 million, and Chelsea’s interest further complicates that operation.

Schlotterbeck’s situation is also considered very complex, while Guehi is expected to remain in England. These circumstances have increased Van de Ven’s appeal as a realistic yet high-level alternative.

Adding to the narrative, Van de Ven recently revealed that his greatest footballing idol is Carles Puyol, praising the former Barça captain for his intensity and leadership.

His name is now firmly on the shortlist of FC Barcelona, pending market developments, and he could gain momentum as the club weighs ambition against financial reality in its search for a new defensive leader.