"That was very cool" - Liverpool target opens up on 'goosebump moment' he felt at Anfield ahead of potential summer move
VfL Wolfsburg centre-back Micky van de Ven has said that it would be a dream of his to play at the home of Liverpool.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield following Jorg Schmadtke's appointment as the Reds' sporting director. The German helped Wolfsburg sign Van de Ven from Volendam in August 2021.
Now, it has been reported that Schamdtke could help Liverpool sign Van de Ven in the near future. Amidst that, pictures have emerged of the Dutch centre-back attending a game at Anfield with his father.
Speaking about the moment with Wolfsburger Allgemeine Aller-Zeitung, via Liverpool Echo, Van de Ven said in January:
"I once went to the Liverpool stadium with my dad. That was over Christmas on Boxing Day. Liverpool vs Arsenal. That was madness. Then when 'You'll Never Walk Alone' comes (on) - that's a goosebump moment, that was very cool. It's a dream to play there."
The Dutchman could be referring to Liverpool's 5-1 league win against Arsenal on December 29, 2018. The Reds finished second that season, finishing a point behind Manchester City.
Van de Ven's contract at the Volkswagen Arena expires in the summer of 2027. He has been one of Niko Kovac's most trusted players this season, featuring in 36 games across competitions.
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool could sign new centre-back
Manager Jurgen Klopp has already said that Liverpool will be open to signing a new centre-back this summer if the opportunity arises.
The Reds have Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez as their first-team options in that position. Matip and Gomez, though, have been notably troubled with injuries in recent seasons.
Ahead of his team's 1-1 league draw against Aston Villa on May 20, Klopp said (via Liverpool Echo):
"We look in all departments apart from goalkeeper at the moment. Yes, if there is a good one (centre-back) out there, I would not deny it. That's all. We look at all areas of the pitch, definitely."
Matip and Van Dijk will both turn 32 before the start of the 2023-24 season. Moreover, Gomez has been required to fill in at right-back for Trent Alexander-Arnold on occasion.
Hence, a move for Mickey van de Ven would make sense for the Reds heading into the new season as they look to challenge for titles once again.