Tottenham have announced a new contract for Dutch centre‑back Micky van de Ven, who is closing in on a century of appearances for the Lilywhites.
Tottenham Hotspur have looked to bolster their squad this summer transfer window, with six new signings already coming through the door.
Nonetheless, the Lilywhites have also worked hard to ensure that their best players remain in north London, renewing the contract of World Cup winner Pedro Porro.
However, the Spaniard is not the only one Spurs were looking to tie down to a new deal, with reports claiming that contract extension talks with Micky van de Ven were also taking place.
Tottenham agree new deal with Micky van de Ven
Tottenham have now managed a breakthrough in their talks with van de Ven. The Lilywhites have confirmed that the Dutchman has put pen to paper on a new deal that should keep him in north London for five years.
While it is a five-year deal, Spurs do have an option to renew for a further year until 2032. Van de Ven played a big role in Tottenham’s campaign last season, featuring 45 times in all competitions as the Lilywhites battled against relegation.
He was also pivotal to Tottenham’s UEFA Europa League triumph, with his acrobatic clearance in Bilbao in the closing stages one that sticks in fans’ memories.
Van de Ven showed his leadership qualities last season, pulling on the Tottenham captain’s armband a couple of times. The Dutchman has now opened up for the first time since signing a new contract extension.
Speaking to Tottenham’s official website, van de Ven said: “It’s a special moment to sign a new deal and a proud moment for me and my family.
“I’ve always loved Spurs, from the first day I stepped in here. I love the Club, I love the fans and I’ve developed really well here.
“It’s clear the direction the Club wants to go in and I want to be a part of it. I’m excited about what’s to come.”
Johan Lange and Roberto De Zerbi explain van de Ven’s importance to Spurs
Van de Ven’s new deal is also a major statement about Tottenham’s belief in the defender, with Sporting Director Johan Lange outlining why the club see him as an important part of their future.
Speaking to Tottenham’s official website, Lange said: “I am delighted that Micky has committed his future to the Club. His growth and development over the past three years – as both a player and a person – has been huge, and he is now without doubt one of the outstanding defenders in European football.
“Micky represents the type of player we want to build our future around and I look forward to seeing him continue to play an important role for many years to come.”
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi also outlined what he believes van de Ven can bring to the club as Spurs continue to build for the future.
De Zerbi praised the defender’s qualities, mentality and ambition, while making it clear that he sees van de Ven as an important part of what Tottenham are trying to create.
De Zerbi said: “Micky is one of the best centre-backs in Europe and an important player for us.
“He has the qualities, mentality and ambition that we want at Tottenham Hotspur, and I am very happy that he has decided to continue his journey with the Club.
“We are building something strong here, and players like Micky are an important part of that future. His decision to sign a new contract shows his belief in what we are creating together.”