£112k-a-Week Spurs Ace Stalls Contract Talks Until Thomas Frank Is Replaced
Micky van de Ven is reportedly holding off on signing a new Tottenham Hotspur contract until the club appoints a new “elite” manager to replace Thomas Frank, according to journalist Deal Jones.
The Dutch centre-back is said to have paused negotiations amid Spurs’ miserable campaign, which has left them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. Jones suggests Van de Ven could be swayed by interest from elsewhere at the end of the season, with Liverpool showing genuine admiration for the 24-year-old and Real Madrid also monitoring his situation.
While Frank’s position has come under increasing scrutiny, the Dane is still expected to lead Spurs into Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund. However, Jones warns that Tottenham risk losing Van de Ven if their season continues to unravel and a new top-level manager is not installed by next summer.
The defender has yet to agree fresh terms and is believed to have delayed talks while Frank remains in charge. Although he has been one of the few players to deliver consistent performances this season, he is reportedly unconvinced by the current project.
Behind the scenes, Spurs are already considering potential successors to Frank after a run of poor results. The club were dumped out of the FA Cup earlier this month and are winless in their last five matches in all competitions. Since early November, they have managed just two league victories from 13 games, against Brentford and Crystal Palace.
Van de Ven’s £112,000-a-week deal runs until June 2029, leaving Tottenham in a strong position should suitors emerge. Even so, his hesitation over a new contract is a growing concern, especially given his importance to the side.
The 24-year-old has scored six goals in 29 appearances across all competitions—an outstanding return for a centre-back, bettered only by Richarlison’s eight.
Spurs will get a glimpse of life without him on Tuesday, as Van de Ven is suspended for the Borussia Dortmund tie.