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“Future Tottenham captain” rejects contract talks amid interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona

Barnaby Lane 3 March 2026, 19:28 2 minutes read
Spurs could be set to lose one of their biggest stars. (Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Spurs could be set to lose one of their biggest stars. (Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur’s situation is becoming increasingly alarming.

Without a Premier League victory since December, they are the only side yet to win a league game this calendar year.

Sitting 16th and drifting dangerously close to the relegation zone, the threat of dropping into the Championship is no longer unthinkable.

The squad appears short on confidence and cohesion — and matters may now be set to worsen.

One of their standout performers, previously tipped by former Spurs defender Michael Dawson to become a “future Tottenham captain,” could be edging towards the exit.

Van de Ven Rejects Contract Talks

According to Sports Boom, Micky van de Ven has declined the opportunity to open discussions over a new contract at Tottenham. The Dutch defender is reportedly unsettled amid interest from European heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Despite Spurs’ willingness to offer him an improved five-year deal, the former Wolfsburg centre-back is said to be reluctant to commit his long-term future to the club. If he seeks a move this summer, Tottenham are expected to demand a fee in the region of £100 million.

However, their negotiating position could weaken significantly if relegation becomes a reality. Commanding such a substantial figure for a player competing in the Championship would be a major challenge, potentially forcing the club to reconsider their valuation.

With Barcelona and Real Madrid both monitoring the situation, the coming months could prove decisive. Van de Ven is widely regarded as one of Tottenham’s most valuable assets, and losing him — particularly in the event of relegation — would represent another major setback during an already turbulent period.

Tottenham’s battle for survival may now intertwine with a crucial transfer saga. If results do not improve, keeping hold of Van de Ven could become nearly impossible — and the loss of a player once labelled a future leader would further underline the scale of the club’s current crisis.

About the Author

Barnaby Lane

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Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider. Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.

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