Barcelona are preparing for a major defensive rebuild ahead of the summer transfer window, with the club prioritising the signing of a left-footed centre-back.
According to Sport, one name high on their shortlist is Micky van de Ven, the 24-year-old Tottenham defender who has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most explosive defenders.
Van de Ven, who is under contract until 2029, would not come cheap.
Tottenham value him extremely highly, and any formal approach is expected to require a significant financial package.
Even so, Barcelona are monitoring him closely, especially amid growing reports that the Netherlands international is keen to leave the club this summer.
Barcelona are closely watching Micky van de Ven
The Catalan giants have made it clear that, due to financial constraints and the need for strategic squad building, they do not intend to move for a defender in January.
Instead, all defensive reinforcements are planned for the summer, when the club expects more flexibility in both budget and squad registration.
Van de Ven is not the only candidate Barcelona are evaluating. The shortlist includes several high-profile names across Europe:
Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund) – A commanding, left-footed defender with strong aerial presence and passing range. Dortmund consider him a key starter, so negotiations would be complex.
Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan) – Long admired by Barcelona, Bastoni is widely regarded as one of the best left-sided defenders in Europe. Inter, however, are determined to keep him and would demand a premium fee.
Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace) – Another top defender on the radar, though the England international is right-footed, making him less ideal for Barca’s preferred left-centre-back profile.
Tottenham star could be on his way out in summer
Despite multiple options, Van de Ven stands out due to his age, athletic profile, and rapid development under Spurs’ system.
For now, everything points to a summer pursuit. Barcelona’s scouting department will continue to analyse each candidate while waiting for the financial landscape to stabilise.
With competition expected from several Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, the race for Europe’s top emerging centre-backs is going to be intense.