Tottenham are busy rebuilding their defence, with Roberto De Zerbi set to take on Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
Tottenham have completed their third signing of the summer with the arrival of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.
“I was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opponent,” the Dutch international said after signing a long-term contract.
“Now I’m looking forward to putting on the Spurs shirt and getting out in front of the fans. It’s going to be a special moment.”
De Zerbi cited the Dutchman’s leadership during his time at Brighton and praised his maturity again after Spurs signed him for £52m this week.
The manager’s top priority is defense, with left-back Andy Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi joining on free transfers as the Lilywhites look to remain in the Premier League after a season in which they conceded the most goals in the team.
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However, there are question marks over the future of several current defenders, with Jed Spence linked with Juventus, Cristian Romero attracting attention from several top clubs, and Barcelona and Liverpool currently considering signing Micky van de Ven.
Fabrizio Romano shared an update on the futures of his two centre-backs this week, revealing which one is more likely to leave north London this summer.
Romano shares the latest on Tottenham’s defensive duo
In fact, Romano admitted in his latest Youtube video that Romero could leave following interest from Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.
However, Van de Ven was personally chosen by De Zerbi to lead the defense for years to come and was given the same ‘untouchable’ tag as Pedro Polo, who recently signed a new contract.
“Mickey van de Ven left Tottenham, what is the situation with Liverpool, with Barcelona? What’s the story?”
“Remember, I was asked the same question about Pedro Porro two weeks ago. My answer was that Pedro Porro is untouchable, he is an absolutely important player for Tottenham, and Tottenham have renewed his contract.”
“Now we are back in touch with Van de Ven. What I can tell you is that Van de Ven is considered by the management and Tottenham manager De Zerby to be an absolutely important player.”
“Tottenham have confidence in Van de Ven and believe he can play a big role now and in the future.”
The reporter said that “several clubs are interested” in Romero and that the Argentine does not carry the same “not for sale” tag as his Dutch teammate.
Romero only played 22 games in the top flight last season due to injury and suspension, while Van de Ven played 35 games, scoring four goals in each.
A deciding factor in Tottenham’s decision may be that the 25-year-old former Wolfsburg player is three years younger than Romero. That means they enjoyed their best years under De Zerbi and could benefit in the future.
Midfield is thought to be Tottenham’s next priority in the transfer window, with Newcastle star Sandro Tonali linked with a move.
Tottenham willing to pay £100m for star player in direct talks with De Zerbi
North Londoners are showing plenty of ambition this summer.
