Van de Ven grateful to sign for 'beautiful' club like Spurs

Micky van de Ven is grateful to be able to sign for a 'beautiful' club like Tottenham after securing a six-year deal with the North London outfit.

Spurs have strengthened their backline by making the former Wolfsburg defender their latest addition of the summer.

Dutch talent Van de Ven, 22, follows Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison and Manor Solomon as the new faces added to Ange Postecoglou's squad as the Australian looks to implement attacking football in N17.

On his move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the 6ft 3in defender said: "Spurs is a beautiful club, a top club.

"Every time I see a player sign for Spurs I think 'wow, it would be amazing to sign for a club like that'.

"I am a tall guy, I think I have some speed so I can play in a high line like the trainer likes. I think I am quite calm on the ball and hopefully, I can help the team.

"When you are young you are always looking to the Premier League because the big clubs are playing. I am really proud to play on this stage.

"I think I can learn so much here every day on the training ground with top players. Hopefully, I can become a great player for Spurs."

Primarily a central defender, Van de Ven is also comfortable at left-back and made 33 Bundesliga appearances last term as his former club narrowly missed out on continental football.

Capped 11 times at Under-21s level by his nation, the youngster will hope to break into the Netherlands' senior side by establishing himself in a Spurs defence that shipped 63 Premier League goals in 2022-23.

Van de Ven will wear the No37 shirt and will be available for Tottenham's opening Premier League clash against Brentford on Sunday pending a work permit. 

The Dutchman will be hoping to establish a formidable partnership in defence with Cristian Romero and Postecoglou looks to mend Spurs' leaky defence that saw them concede 63 goals in the top flight last season.

After spending two seasons in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, Van de Ven has paid tribute to his former club after his transfer was confirmed.

On Instagram, he said: "Where to start… A special two seasons where I learnt so much and most importantly, a place that became home.

"It's been a wonderful journey for me. Thanks to the Wolfsburg coaching staff, management and the fans for everything you’ve done for me in my time at the club. 

"I will never forget the special memories we made together. I'll continue to support the club, and wish my teammates all the best for the upcoming season."

Van de Ven will be joined by 19-year-old Alejo Veliz, who was announced a few hours after the Dutchman, at Tottenham.

Veliz arrives from Rosario Central and will link up with fellow Argentines Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso.

The powerful striker has also signed a six-year deal that will keep him in England until 2029.

On his aspirations at Spurs, he said: "To hopefully help take the club where it ought to be, high up in the league. And then to be battling it out for everything we are involved in.

"It's like I'm touching the heavens."