Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has suggested that his former club should consider signing Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds face an uncertain summer, with Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all entering the final six months of their contracts.
While Liverpool are working to secure at least one of the trio on a new deal, they must also plan for the possibility of Van Dijk’s departure.
Van de Ven has impressed since joining Spurs from Wolfsburg for £43 million in 2023, quickly establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s top defenders.
However, injuries have disrupted his season, and he missed Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday.
Fowler believes the 23-year-old Netherlands international would be a great fit for Liverpool and should be on the club’s radar. He also named Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen as another possible target.
“When it comes to potentially replacing Virgil van Dijk, I’m a big fan of both Dean Huijsen at Bournemouth and Micky van de Ven at Tottenham,” Fowler told BoyleSports.
“That said, we’re talking about players who aren’t at Van Dijk’s level he’s the standout defender in the Premier League. The priority should be keeping him at the club.
“He’s a Rolls Royce of a player, a tremendous leader, and sometimes the game looks too easy for him. We should do everything possible to keep him.
But if he does go, it should be someone who understands the Premier League’s speed and intensity.
“Replacing Van Dijk with anyone is a gamble, but if Liverpool need a new centre-back, Van de Ven is a strong, fast player who would look right in a Liverpool shirt. I know Spurs fans won’t want to hear that, but it’s a compliment to him.”
Tottenham, currently struggling with an injury-hit squad, managed to edge past Manchester United thanks to a first-half goal from James Maddison.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk and Liverpool strengthened their Premier League title push with a 2-1 victory over Wolves, moving seven points clear of Arsenal.