Tottenham are reportedly close to confirming their fifth signing of the summer transfer window as they close in on a £30million deal for a centre-back recorded as the fastest in the Bundesliga last season.
Ange Postecoglou is seemingly overseeing a big overhaul of a Spurs squad that massively underperformed last season, finishing eighth in the Premier League and missing out on European football as a result.
Dejan Kulusveski and Pedro Porro have turned their loans into permanent deals while James Maddison has arrived from Leicester and Guglielmo Vicario is poised to be Hugo Lloris’ long-term replacement in goal.
However, it looks like there are more additions to come, with former Fulham loanee Manor Solomon close to signing on a free transfer. But it’s the addition of a new centre-back that will be music to the ears of all Tottenham fans and it looks like a deal is imminent for Wolfsburg star Micky van de Ven.
According to John Cross from the Daily Mirror, Tottenham will pay £30 million for the Dutch defender, while journalist Mike Verweij has confirmed that the player has reached an agreement on personal terms with the north London club and he will sign a contract with them until the summer of 2028.
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks and it now appears he is bound for Spurs.
Postecoglou identified the need to bring in at least one new centre-back this summer after Tottenham let in 63 goals in the Premier League last season.
Van de Ven and Edmond Tapsoba were both firmly on the club’s radar, but it’s the former who is now heading to England.
The Dutchman looks set to form what could be a formidable partnership with Cristian Romero, assuming the Argentine can rediscover the form that saw him become a World Cup winner in Qatar.
Wolfsburg star brings pace to Tottenham defence
Van de Ven was recorded as the quickest central defender in the German top flight last season, being clocked at 22.3mph.
And Wolfsburg managing director of sport Marcel Schafer certainly talked up the defender when asked about his qualities.
He said: “Left foot, extreme speed, plays every second. Micky [has performed] consistently very well throughout the season.
“He’s a player with huge potential and this season in particular has shown incredible development, playing himself into the spotlight with his performances.”
Tottenham will now be hoping that Van de Ven can carry his huge potential across to the Premier League as Postecoglou looks to build a side capable of challenging for a top-four spot again.
