“One of the best Transfer deal in history”- Spurs hit the jackpot with “complete & dominant” ace worth millions more than Calafiori
The transfer window has now been open for more than two weeks, and while it has been a relatively quiet period for Tottenham Hotspur, the rumor mill continues to churn with potential signings. Despite the lack of concrete activity, names like Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez, and Bologna’s centre-back Riccardo Calafiori are frequently mentioned in connection with the North London club. Daniel Levy and his management team seem to be meticulously strategizing to bring in the right players who can help manager Ange Postecoglou propel the team back to the upper echelons of the Premier League in the coming season.
However, amid the excitement of potential new arrivals, it is essential to acknowledge that Tottenham already possesses a remarkable defensive talent in Micky van de Ven. The Dutch centre-back joined Tottenham last summer from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg for a hefty sum of £43 million. Since his arrival, van de Ven has swiftly made a name for himself as one of the most promising and exciting centre-backs in the Premier League.
In his debut season with Tottenham, van de Ven made 29 appearances, showcasing his scoring ability by netting three goals. Despite suffering two hamstring injuries that sidelined him for parts of the season, his performances were so impressive that he was awarded the Player of the Season by the Official Supporters’ Clubs. Van de Ven’s success on the pitch can be attributed to his excellent positioning, quick decision-making, and outstanding speed. In a match against Brentford in February, he set the record for the fastest sprint in Premier League history at 37.38 km/h, cementing his reputation as a “complete & dominant” centre-back, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Beyond his central defensive role, the 23-year-old Dutchman has also demonstrated his versatility by stepping in as a left-back when necessary, as he did in the final two games of last season against Manchester City and Sheffield United. This adaptability, combined with his exceptional skill set, makes van de Ven an invaluable asset to Tottenham. His market valuation reflects this high regard, indicating his significant importance to the team.
Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori has emerged as a potential transfer target following a standout season with Bologna in Serie A, where he played a pivotal role in helping the club qualify for the Champions League. The 22-year-old Italian centre-back has attracted interest from several clubs, including Spurs, and is reportedly available for around €40 million (£34 million). However, his performances for the national team at the Euros could cause his price to rise slightly before the end of the summer transfer window.
Despite this potential increase, Calafiori’s valuation is unlikely to reach the heights of van de Ven’s. According to the CIES Football Observatory, van de Ven is currently valued between €61 million and €77 million (£52 million to £65 million), which is at least £18 million more than the Bologna defender. This impressive price tag for van de Ven is a testament to his brilliant displays last season and the fact that his £50k-per-week contract is set to run until the summer of 2029.
Ultimately, while adding Calafiori to the squad might be a strategic move for Tottenham, the club can take solace in already having a top-tier defender in van de Ven. His presence and performance suggest he could remain one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs for years to come. Van de Ven’s blend of speed, agility, and tactical acumen sets him apart and ensures that Tottenham’s defense remains robust and competitive. His continued development will be crucial for Spurs as they aim to climb the Premier League standings and compete at the highest levels of domestic and European football.
