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Published Aug 6, 2026, 5:40 PM GMT+1
Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
Emilio has written for several of the company's biggest football publications, including Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. His expertise lies in assessing the credibility of transfer stories, analysing what potential deals mean for clubs on and off the pitch, and breaking down the wider implications of football's biggest talking points.
Through years of covering Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal on a weekly basis, Emilio has developed an extensive understanding of North London's biggest clubs, their recruitment strategies and the issues that matter most to supporters. He has cultivated trusted contacts within the football industry that help inform his reporting and analysis.
Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.
Micky van de Ven could be about to become the face of Roberto De Zerbi’s new Tottenham.
The Dutch defender joined Spurs from Wolfsburg in 2023 and quickly proved that his mix of speed, strength and calmness could work in the Premier League.
His recovery pace made him essential in Ange Postecoglou’s high defensive line, while his ability to carry the ball through pressure gave Tottenham a direct route out of defence.
Repeated hamstring problems limited Van de Ven during his first two seasons and left Spurs desperately short whenever he was unavailable.
The Netherlands ace still managed 45 appearances across all competitions last season, with seven goals and two assists. That was an exceptional scoring return for a centre-back, even if Tottenham’s campaign was dominated by another battle near the bottom of the Premier League.
|
2023/24 |
29 |
29 |
3 |
6 |
2,523 |
||
|
2024/25 |
22 |
21 |
2 |
5 |
1,680 |
||
|
2025/26 |
45 |
45 |
7 |
1 |
12 |
1 |
3,944 |
|
Total |
96 |
95 |
10 |
3 |
23 |
1 |
8,147 |
He wore the armband when Cristian Romero was absent and took greater responsibility during a turbulent season featuring three head coaches.
De Zerbi’s arrival in March then offered Tottenham a clear footballing direction.
The Italian wants defenders who will receive possession under pressure, step forward with the ball and defend large spaces behind an aggressive team.
Van de Ven is naturally suited to those demands, and his pace still allows Tottenham to hold a high line, but he is more than an emergency runner.
De Zerbi has already made his admiration clear, describing Van de Ven as the Premier League’s best left-footed centre back.
Tottenham planned fresh contract discussions in January, despite Van de Ven already being tied down until 2029.
Liverpool and Barcelona were subsequently linked when an agreement failed to arrive quickly, raising fears that another difficult season could tempt him away.
Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson have arrived this summer, giving De Zerbi more experience and better options in possession.
Romero, however, is widely expected to leave amid interest from Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan.
His departure would remove Tottenham’s captain and create an obvious opening in the leadership group, but van de Ven could be that man.
Micky van de Ven to sign 'mega' new Tottenham deal after choosing De Zerbi
According to Voetbal International journalist Joost Blaauwhof, van de Ven now appears ready to sign what he describes as a “mega contract” with Spurs.
The report presents the decision as more than a financial agreement, with van de Ven also said to be choosing De Zerbi and the project the head coach is building in north London.
No proposed salary or contract length has been disclosed, though, so those details should not be treated as settled before Tottenham make an announcement.
Robertson leads Scotland and brings enormous experience, while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have previously carried leadership responsibilities.
Van de Ven would be a better choice to take the captaincy, though.
He is 25, approaching his peak and has already captained Tottenham during plenty of difficult moments.
A major new contract for him would give Spurs protection against future interest, whilst also sending a statement to the rest of De Zerbi's new-look squad.
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