Micky van de Ven has been a key player for Tottenham Hotspur since he arrived at the club from Wolfsburg in 2023. Van de Ven helped Spurs win the Europa League and, from center-back, scored a fantastic solo goal against Copenhagen in the Champions League this campaign.
Due to his impressive form and the fact that Spurs are enduring another difficult season domestically, there are doubts about Van de Ven's long-term future at the club. He is yet to sign a new contract with Tottenham, with his current deal expiring in 2029. This has led to him being linked with top clubs, including Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.
Spurs may soon need a replacement for Van de Ven, with the Daily Mail reporting that Thomas Frank wants to bring Nathan Collins to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Replacing Van de Ven with Collins would be a step backwards
It is no surprise that Frank wants to sign Collins, as he worked with him at Brentford. Collins was a key part of Frank's success at Brentford, which led to the Dane being appointed the Spurs manager.
Frank is under huge pressure with Spurs currently 14th in the Premier League. He was brought in to build on Ange Postecoglou's success of winning the Europa League. However, Frank's tenure has been much like Postecoglou's, with success in Europe, where Spurs are currently fifth in the Champions League, but failures domestically.
It is harsh to write off Collins, as there is no doubt that he is a quality player. He is Brentford's captain and has featured in all of their Premier League games this season. He has played 90 minutes in each league match, barring one. The Bees are enjoying a fantastic season and are currently seventh in the division.
The center-back has also been a key player for the Republic of Ireland recently. He has played 90 minutes in their last 16 matches. Collins has helped Ireland make it to the World Cup playoffs. Before playing for Brentford, he represented Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley, and Stoke City.
Collins could join Spurs and become a key center-back. However, he will always be seen as Frank's man. Frankly, supporters of any club will often be quick to write him off. The Tottenham manager's future is uncertain, so he may not be in the post to have a reunion with Collins.