Real Madrid transfer news hands Tottenham test of post-Daniel Levy resolve
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(Credit: Imago)
Edward Bazeley
Thu 11 September 2025 9:00, UK
Tottenham already appear set for tough transfer negotiations following former chairman Daniel Levy’s recent exit, as Real Madrid plot a move for defender Micky van de Ven.
After the 63-year-old departed Spurs on Thursday, 4 September, ex-Southampton CEO Martin Semmens revealed Levy was tough to deal with in transfer business.
The former Tottenham chairman was an unpopular figure among many supporters, but he helped the North London club win the Europa League last season.
Meanwhile, football finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider that Spurs majority owner ENIC could buy Levy out of his shares in the company.
Credit: Imago
The former chairman’s exit could see Spurs increase their wage budget in a move that would appease their supporters.
Increasing their wage budget could help Tottenham eventually rival the likes of defending Premier League champions Liverpool in the upper echelons of the table.
However, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes on Tuesday, 9 September, Real Madrid are keen on a move for Van de Ven.
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The 24-year-old has proven himself as a key man since joining Tottenham from Wolfsburg in 2023 despite injury problems.
Meanwhile, Madrid’s reported interest in the centre back will provide an early glimpse of how tough the North London outfit can be in their negotiations in the post-Levy era.
Van de Ven is a key man for Spurs (Credit Imago)
Even though Tottenham were defeated 1-0 by Bournemouth in their last Premier League game on 30 August, Thomas Frank has enjoyed a strong start to the new campaign, thanks to previous wins over Burnley and Manchester City.
Micky Van de Ven statsPremier League 2025/26Appearances3Goals0Assists0Van de Ven is a key player for Spurs
After making the somewhat controversial call to dismiss Europa League-winning boss Ange Postecoglou, now of Nottingham Forest, Spurs must enjoy long-term success under Frank.
With that in mind, the North Londoners must retain Van de Ven’s services despite Madrid’s interest in his services.
The Netherlands international was limited to just 13 Premier League appearances last season, due to injury, which proved detrimental as Spurs finished just 17th in the top flight.
Meanwhile, Van de Ven proved his class when he completed an eye-catching goal-line clearance when Tottenham beat Manchester United in May’s Europa League final.
For now, Frank’s men will be determined to beat London rivals West Ham United on Saturday, 13 September, but they must also preserve the long-term future of their star defender.
Elsewhere, football commentator Ian Darke has praised Frank for retaining Cristian Romero in a Tottenham News exclusive.