Liverpool have reportedly outmaneuvered Manchester City in securing the signing of Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven.
The Reds are keen on bolstering their defensive options and improving the depth of their squad. Manager Jurgen Klopp has made tactical adjustments that have yielded positive results, and he now aims to further enhance the team’s system by adding a left-sided central defender.
Van Dijk Replacement
Van de Ven, who is described as a “phenomenon,” has impressed with his performances for Wolfsburg this season.
Liverpool are willing to pay a significant fee, around ten times the amount Wolfsburg paid for him, as Klopp sees him as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch international has expressed his willingness to join Klopp’s team at Anfield.
Liverpool have already begun their recruitment drive by signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.
They are also keeping an eye on Van de Ven’s situation, while academy graduate Leighton Clarkson is being watched by Rangers.
Van de Ven: Liverpool wins the race
Van de Ven’s left-footedness and versatility make him an ideal addition to Liverpool’s defense. His imposing stature, remarkable speed, and defensive intelligence would strengthen the team’s backline. Additionally, his ability to contribute to the build-up play aligns with Liverpool’s playing style.
The 22-year-old Micky van de Ven has shown exceptional performance as a center-back, ranking among the top 10% in progressive carries and the top 7% in successful take-ons among European leagues.
Man City have also been ‘immersed in the auction’ for the 22-year-old, but Liverpool and Klopp now have ‘the advantage’.
According to the Spanish publication Nacional, Liverpool ‘beat’ Man City ‘at auction’ for Van de Ven.
Liverpool are prepared to pay ’10 times’ the €3m that Wolfsburg paid to Volendam for Van de Ven with Klopp expecting that he can become the ‘next Van Dijk’.
Advantages for Fabinho
His arrival could provide reassurance to Fabinho, helping him regain his best form. Van de Ven’s defensive skills, including averaging 1.4 tackles and 3.1 clearances, would enhance the team’s efforts. His addition would be a crucial move for Liverpool’s success.
The potential reunion between Liverpool’s sporting director Jorg Schmadtke and Van de Ven adds an interesting dimension to the transfer. Schmadtke played a crucial role in bringing the Dutch defender to Wolfsburg and now aims to replicate their successful partnership at Liverpool.
The pursuit of Van de Ven reflects Liverpool’s ambition to fortify their defensive options and address vulnerabilities exposed by injuries in recent seasons. His arrival would provide depth and competition in the backline, while his versatility would offer tactical flexibility to Klopp.
Van de Ven’s rise in Dutch and Bundesliga football, combined with his compatibility with Liverpool’s style of play, makes him an appealing prospect. If the transfer comes to fruition, it would undoubtedly boost Liverpool’s chances of success in various competitions, both in the current season and beyond.
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