(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media, Imago)

Tottenham have found Micky van de Ven’s successor as Thomas Frank eyes stunning swoop

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

18 Oct 2025, 2:30 am

Tottenham are already preparing for the upcoming transfer windows as they seek to build upon Thomas Frank’s good start.

The Dane has proved to have a good eye for signings to date, with Mohammed Kudus being sensational for Tottenham so far this season.

However, there are still plenty of areas that need vast improvements, including their backline.

Recently, Micky van der Ven has been linked with a move away from Tottenham.

As a result, Frank may be preparing to eventually replace the centre-back.

Micky Van de Ven holds his hands on his head.

Micky van der Ven could leave Tottenham (Credit: Imago)

Tottenham eye Lautaro Rivero

Reports have recently emerged that Tottenham are interested in Lautaro Rivero.

The Argentine international is believed to have plenty of potential and has shone at River Plate.

As a result, both Atletico Madrid and the City Group are interested in Rivero, as his reputation continues to increase.

Rivero made his debut for River Plate in 2024
He has since become an Argentine international, winning his first cap against Puerto Rico in October 2025
River Plate have a £86.7million release clause in the defender’s contract

However, Tottenham's interest in the 21-year-old may be as a result of the potential loss of van der Ven.

The Spurs star’s contract is up in 2028, and with River Plate unwilling to give up Rivero until mid-2026, it could be the perfect replacement.

This is because next summer is arguably the last chance Tottenham have to make serious money on van der Ven unless he signs a new contract.

Lautaro Rivero warming up for River Plate

Lautaro Rivero has impressed for River Plate (Credit: Imago)

Therefore, by signing Rivero next summer, it would allow Spurs to sell their star defender, effectively making the Argentine the successor to the Dutchman.

Read more: Thomas Frank doubles down on Harry Kane plea and hints at Brentford reunion in footage

Rivero vs Micky van der Ven

According to Fotmob on 17 October, Rivero actually beats van der Ven in multiple defensive stats.

The Argentine’s tackles per game and duels won are a particular standout.

Stats in the league this season per 90 minutes	Lautaro Rivero	Micky van der Ven
Goals	0.10	0.15
Tackles	2.05	1.16
Duels won	6.35	3.05
Interceptions	1.20	1.02
Passing accuracy	81%	92.3%
Dribble success rate	75%	50%
Fouls won	0.95	0.44
Aerial duels won	63.5%	47.1%

Rivero beats van der Ven in multiple stats

However, it must be remembered that the Premier League is significantly harder.

Nevertheless, there is clear potential in Rivero, and Frank would do well to seal the transfer.

Hopefully, a move will soon be made to ensure that the youngster is a Spurs player by next summer.

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Micky van de Ven

Lautaro Rivero