What Spurs do tie down ‘exceptional’ star immediately after worrying news of his contract emerges
Tottenham Hotspur find themselves at a crossroads regarding the future of one of their most prized assets, Micky van de Ven. Despite his immense influence on the pitch and his rapid rise to prominence since joining the club, reports suggest that the Dutch defender is not among the top earners at Spurs — a situation that the north London side must address immediately if they are to safeguard their long-term ambitions.
Van de Ven played a starring role in Tottenham’s impressive 3-0 triumph over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday evening. The centre-back showcased his aerial prowess by scoring twice from set-pieces in the first half, giving Thomas Frank’s men a commanding lead that they never relinquished. His dominance in both defensive and attacking situations once again underlined why he has become such a vital component in the Tottenham backline.
Since arriving from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023 for a fee in the region of £43 million, Van de Ven has exceeded all expectations. His blend of pace, physicality, and composure on the ball has made him one of the Premier League’s standout defenders. When fit, he’s virtually undroppable — one of the first names on the team sheet and a cornerstone of Frank’s tactical setup.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp once described Van de Ven as “exceptional,” a word that now feels entirely justified. The 23-year-old has not only adapted seamlessly to English football but also elevated the defensive standards around him. Losing a player of his calibre would be catastrophic for Spurs, especially at a time when they are rebuilding under Frank’s leadership and showing genuine signs of progress.
Tottenham Must Act Fast on a New Contract
According to The Evening Standard, Van de Ven’s current salary does not reflect his importance to the team, with the Dutchman reportedly earning around £90,000 per week. This places him outside of Tottenham’s top ten earners — a surprising revelation given his integral role in the squad. With the club continuing to invest in new talent, many of whom could be on higher wages, Spurs risk creating a situation where one of their best players feels undervalued.
Although there are no immediate signs of discontent from Van de Ven’s camp, Tottenham cannot afford to be complacent. Football history is full of examples where players, initially content, were eventually tempted away by more lucrative offers. Reports have even linked Real Madrid with an interest in the defender, and it’s easy to imagine the Spanish giants doubling his current wage without hesitation.
That potential interest should serve as a wake-up call for Tottenham’s hierarchy. The club has been here before — losing key players due to delayed contract negotiations or failure to match the market rate. This time, the warning signs are clear, and decisive action is needed.
Van de Ven’s current contract still has several years remaining, but in modern football, length of contract is no longer a reliable shield against transfer interest. Offering him improved terms now would not only reward his contributions but also reaffirm the club’s commitment to building around young, elite talent.
A Player Worth Protecting
Van de Ven embodies everything Thomas Frank wants in a defender — calm under pressure, aggressive in duels, and intelligent in reading the game. His partnership at the back has been crucial to Tottenham’s defensive resurgence, and his ability to recover quickly and snuff out danger has often spared the team from conceding. Beyond his defensive qualities, his leadership and consistency have made him a fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
From a financial standpoint, offering Van de Ven a pay rise makes perfect sense. His market value has skyrocketed since joining Spurs, and tying him down to an improved deal would protect the club’s investment. Should a powerhouse like Real Madrid come calling in the future, Spurs would at least be in a strong negotiating position, ensuring that any potential departure comes on their terms, not the player’s
For Tottenham, this is not just about rewarding performance — it’s about sending a message. Extending Van de Ven’s contract with significantly improved terms would demonstrate that Spurs are serious about keeping their best players and competing at the highest level. It would also signal to the rest of the squad that exceptional performances are recognised and rewarded appropriately.
In short, Micky van de Ven has become indispensable to Tottenham Hotspur. His impact on the pitch, professionalism, and potential to grow even further make him a cornerstone of the club’s future. If Spurs want to continue progressing under Thomas Frank, tying Van de Ven down to a long-term, improved contract should be a top priority — before Europe’s elite come knocking with an offer too tempting to refuse.