Sources: Real Madrid considering surprise move to sign 'absolutely brilliant' Tottenham star
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(Credit: Getty Images, Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Fri 12 September 2025 16:00, UK
Real Madrid are determined to strengthen their squad in 2026 and have now set their sights on one of Tottenham’s most important players.
Los Blancos are keen to continue signing the world’s best players to add to their squad and Xabi Alonso has set his sights on landing defensive reinforcements.
With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba out of contract, their pursuit of a new centre-back has led to Micky van de Ven emerging as a new target for Real Madrid.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Van de Ven is on a long list of targets to strengthen in defence.
Sources say a move is considered “unlikely” as things stand, however, as Spurs have no intentions of letting their best players leave the club in the near future.
Micky van de Ven has emerged as a target for Real Madrid.
(Credit Imago)
Former Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in April that Van de Ven’s head could be turned by Real Madrid after he emerged as an option at the back.
This comes amid links with the likes of Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate who could follow his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish capital.
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However, Thomas Frank has no plans to let Van de Ven leave any time soon while he is under contract until 2029, placing the club in a strong position.
Speaking on the Inside Track Podcast, I explained: “We know that Real Madrid are in the market for a new centre-back next summer.
“Rudiger is out of contract, Alaba is out of contract and they’ve had a few injury issues as well, so they’ve been linked with the likes of Konate on a free transfer.
“It’s not a surprise that Van de Ven is on their radar, he’s been a top player for Tottenham and for the Netherlands, but Tottenham are not looking to sell any time soon.
Credit: Imago
“A move for Van de Ven would seem unlikely as things stand.
“He’s under contract until 2029 and he will be a key man for Thomas Frank going forward alongside Cristian Romero at the back.”
Real Madrid have set their sights on a number of Premier League defenders ahead of their attempts to sign a new centre-back in 2026.
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi has emerged as an option on a free transfer alongside their interest in Liverpool’s Konate, but they also have big-money targets in mind.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Madrid want to sign a new centre-back with the likes of William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk and Cristian Romero also on their list.
Credit: Imago
Van de Ven has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most impressive defenders in recent years, with Gary Neville labelling him “absolutely brilliant”, [via the Daily Mail].
As a result of his performances in North London, the centre-back is now attracting a number of high-profile suitors with Real Madrid keeping a close eye on his position.
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