Van de Ven signs new long-term deal with Spurs

Micky van de Ven joined Tottenham from Wolfsburg in 2023 [Getty Images] Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven says it is "clear the direction the club wants to go in" after signing a new long-term deal with Spurs. The Netherlands international joined from Wolfsburg in 2023 originally on a six-year agreement until 2029. BBC Sport understands Van de Ven was considering his future in north London before the appointment of Roberto de Zerbi in March, which proved crucial in the 25-year-old's decision to extend his stay in north London. Van de Ven helped Spurs win the Europa League in 2025 and also captained the side during the final six matches of last season as they escaped relegation from the Premier League. "I've always loved Spurs, from the first day I stepped in here," said Van de Ven. "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." Spurs boss De Zerbi described Van de Ven as "one of the best centre-backs in Europe and an important player for us". "We are building something strong here, and players like Micky are an important part of that future," the Italian manager said. Van de Ven has made 96 appearances in all competitions since arriving from the Bundesliga and won 24 caps for the Netherlands, who he represented at the World Cup this summer. Tottenham have finished 17th in back-to-back seasons and narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of 2025-26. But they have spent £237m this summer, including a club record £100m to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle . Record Spurs spend shows new ambition - Van de Ven Unhappy Tottenham players should leave - De Zerbi Maddison dismisses injury concerns James Maddison was part of a 35-man squad for Spurs' pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia [Getty Images] James Maddison, meanwhile, has allayed concerns of an injury setback, insisting he is "feeling good" as he prepares for the new season with Spurs. The England midfield is yet to feature in any of the pre-season matches after missing most of the 2025-26 campaign with an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained last August. He made his return against Leeds on May 11 and also made substitute appearances against Chelsea and Everton in the run-in. Confirming his absence from the pre-season tour in July, De Zerbi said it was "not the right moment to take risks" with Maddison. The 29-year-old former Leicester City midfielder has now posted on Instagram to say there had been no fresh injury problem. "Feeling good after another good session today with the team," Maddison wrote. "Working so hard to be healthy and have a great year. Definitely haven't had any recurrence of any injury I've had before." Tottenham will open their Premier League campaign at Brentford on Saturday, 22 August (17:30 BST). Get news, insight and fan views on your Premier League team All your football quizzes in one place Premier League index Premier League table Premier League fixtures