Liverpool has quickly begun negotiations to sign a top defender, with a strong arrival expected after missing out on Mark Gehee.
On 20 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Spanish media outlet Fichajes reported that Liverpool is advancing to acquire Mikky van de Ven, a Netherlands international defender from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, to strengthen their defense as planned.
Liverpool recently missed out on Mark Gehee, an England international defender, after Manchester City swooped in to sign him from Crystal Palace for £20 million plus a £10 million bonus, acting before his contract expired at season's end—a misstep by Liverpool.
This forced Liverpool to quickly change plans and seek a new target. Sources say the Reds have begun initial talks to sign 24-year-old Mikky van de Ven after gathering data and concluding his playing style fits the team.
Liverpool hopes to bring in van de Ven to bolster defense since Virgil van Dijk is now 34 years old, Ibrahima Konaté has yet to renew his contract, Joe Gomez suffers from chronic injuries, and Giovanni Leoni, recently signed from Parma this season, is sidelined long-term with a serious injury.
Mikky van de Ven possesses all qualities Liverpool desires: skill, Premier League experience, left-footed center-back abilities, strength, speed to advance play from the back, and the potential to learn from fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk.
Van de Ven's contract runs until 2029. Sources reveal Tottenham values him at £78 million (3.354 billion baht), but if Liverpool deems him worthy, FSG executives are expected to be willing to pay the fee.
