Richard Hughes handed green light to sign Virgil van Dijk heir | OneFootball

Going into the 2026-27 season, there are still so many things that are undecided at Liverpool.

Although their manager for the campaign is all sorted and done, there are still so many unknowns emerging about the rest of the Anfield outfit.

Nobody knows how their squad is going to look by the first game of the season and nobody even knows how Andoni Iraola will line his men up.

There are a couple of things that are guaranteed such as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson not being a part of the club, but, if Liverpool want to improve their ranking in the Premier League and the Champions League, changes are clearly needed.

And, even though that's what Liverpool are going to be doing, it's still scary to think that players such as Virgil van Dijk could end up exiting next summer.

The Dutchman has been one of the few constants at Anfield over the last few years and, due to how impressive he's been, it felt like he was going to be impossible to replace, that is, until now.

Micky van de Ven is the best option for Liverpool's heir to Virgil van Dijk

When fit, Micky van de Ven was one of Tottenham's best defenders this season.

The Dutchman is a natural centre-back but, due to his sheer amount of pace, he can also be used as a left-back which is where Tottenham's managers often used him.

In fact, the Netherlands even play the Dutchman here due to Van Dijk taking up their left centre-back spot.

And, after the season that Spurs have had, fans will be wondering why one of their best players is being linked with a move away but, after the latest news to emerge from N17, it's clear to see why.

A fresh report from David Ornstein has shared that Spurs have now agreed a £52 million deal for Jan Paul van Hecke.

"Tottenham Hotspur reach agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Jan Paul van Hecke," he wrote.

"Deal for 26yo Netherlands int’l worth £52m fixed, no add-ons.

"Luka Vuskovic situation separate; 2nd Brighton offer worth £35m rejected by Tottenham."

And, while Ornstein's report may not mentioned anything about the future of Van de Ven, the fact that Roberto De Zerbi has now signed two centre-backs in Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke means that a sacrifice will probably have to be made, with Van de Ven the most likely candidate to leave.

Micky van de Ven would be an exceptional addition for Liverpool

For months now, Van de Ven has been linked with a Tottenham exit.

Of course, a lot of these rumours emerged when it felt like Spurs were on their way to the Championship but, even when it felt like they were safe, certain reports said that the Dutchman wanted to leave no matter what.

Several clubs have obviously been linked with a move for the 25-year-old but, with Liverpool in desperate need for a new centre-back and a left-back, him joining Liverpool makes plenty of sense.

And, the fact that the defender has sung the praises of Liverpool many times in the past will make his transition from the capital seamless.

A fee between £60 million and £90 million is reportedly what it would cost for Spurs to sanction a move which, for a player of Van de Ven's quality, makes the move a complete no-brainer, hence why Liverpool should make their move as soon as possible.