My word, how dark did things get last season?
In a campaign laden with nadirs, none were more toxic than the time when reports emerged of players potentially downing tools amid the threat of relegation, supposedly safe in the knowledge that they'd be able to move on in the summer anyway.
Just a couple of months before, after he'd produced one of the solo runs and goals of the season in a comfortable Champions League victory over Copenhagen, not a single Spurs supporter would've considered bad-mouthing Micky van de Ven.
The Dutchman has been a fan's favourite ever since he joined the club in 2023. However, at the start of the new year, there was a perceived switch. A suddenly lax attitude was caught on by supporters as Spurs started to suffer mightily under Thomas Frank. Things only worsened with Igor Tudor, and, for a time, Van de Ven was Public Enemy No. 1. A summer sale seemed inevitable.
But Roberto De Zerbi has rocked our world, folks.
Van de Ven ready to commit long-term future to Tottenham
Van de Ven rediscovered his best form down the stretch alongside Kevin Danso, with the emergence of a proper coach re-motivating a group of players that started to believe they were doomed.
De Zerbi's impact guided us to safety, secured on the final day via a 1-0 victory over Everton.
And while the Italian immediately recognised the need for a major reset this summer, it looks like Van de Ven will remain central to his plans.
The Dutchman has constantly waxed lyrical over Tottenham's new manager, and De Zerbi's project may convince him to sign a new deal. Van de Ven was hesitant in the autumn when his stock was soaring, but Ben Jacobs (via Hotspur Lane on X) understands that Van de Ven is loving life so much under the Italian that he's now ready to commit to the club long-term.
There's no rush for Van de Ven to sign on the dotted line, with his current contract running until 2029. Still, an extension would represent a statement of intent, especially with Cristian Romero expected to depart. Van de Ven would be the new leader of Tottenham's backline, one already bolstered by the arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi this summer.
His compatriot, Jan Paul van Hecke, is also on the club's radar, but Brighton & Hove Albion have so far rebuffed two approaches.
Perhaps there'll be a major update after the World Cup.
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