Van de Ven exit ‘now set in stone at Tottenham’ after what agent admitted
Tottenham will fear that it may have to get worse before it becomes better if they do not qualify for Europe for next season.
The only way Spurs can achieve any kind of continental football in 2025-26 is to win the Europa League, which would seal a spot in the Champions League as the sixth English club to qualify.
This would also be the only way, surely, that can be envisaged for Ange Postecoglou to keep his job beyond this summer, and for several key stars not to be pushing for an exit.
Micky van de Ven departure talked up by agent
Tottenham’s task is simple – they have to not only overcome their upcoming Europa League quarter-final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt, the first leg on Thursday (10 April), but progress all the way to lifting the trophy.
Without it, the vitriol among the supporters at their side’s apathetic campaign will multiply, and Postecoglou’s employment will become untenable.
It could also be the case that players at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium approaching their prime could seek an exit for pastures new, including Micky van de Ven, who has seen his season decimated by injury.
Van de Ven’s agent, Jose Fortes, has told Spanish outlet Marca that his client would suit a club “like Real Madrid” – the usual flirtation which occurs just ahead of transfer windows.
As quoted by Football London (10 April), Fortes said: “I wasn’t a good footballer, but that’s why I know how to help them. Micky fits this quality; he’s a born worker. After his injury, he’ll return to a high level, on par with any big club.
“Micky also has the level to one day play for a big club like Real Madrid. Besides, Madrid needs a player with his talents at the back.”
Van de Ven, who turns 24 next week, still has another four years remaining on his Spurs contract, which at least keeps the hierarchy in North London in a strong position regarding his services.
Tottenham may have to convince van de Ven to stay
For all the negative attention on Daniel Levy which has spanned years at Tottenham, the Spurs chairman is a solid negotiator and this may have to come in very handy over the summer.
Van de Ven would be a prime candidate in an unwanted shop window for Spurs should they fail to win the Europa League this season, and the likes of Real Madrid boast the firepower that could afford to buy out his remaining four years.
| Micky van de Ven – Tottenham | Appearances (all comps) |
| 2023-24 | 29 |
| 2024-25 | 15* |
Fortes was an associate of the late powerhouse agent Mino Raiola – a crop of very ruthless representatives who have secured the most lucrative of moves around Europe for their clients.
Van de Ven would certainly turn his head at interest from the Champions League if Spurs find themselves well out of it next season, and it’s up to Levy to then sell the project – alongside whoever the manager is at that stage.
If Frankfurt or anyone else eliminate Spurs from Europe in the coming weeks, van de Ven’s exit could be set in stone.