Real Madrid Launch Desperate Swap Bid for Van de Ven as Injury Crisis Deepens
MADRID — The panic button has been smashed at the Santiago Bernabéu. With the LaLiga title race against Barcelona on a razor’s edge and the medical room overflowing, Real Madrid have reportedly made their move for Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven. The offer? One of Argentina’s brightest gems, Franco Mastantuono, plus €15 million cash. Spurs, however, aren’t blinking.
The Deal on the Table
According to emerging reports from Spain, Los Blancos have identified Van de Ven as the emergency fix for a backline that has been decimated by injuries. The Dutchman, valued at €65 million by Transfermarkt, is seen as the perfect heir to Madrid’s defense with his blistering recovery pace.
But the offer has hit a North London wall. While Tottenham are open to doing business, Daniel Levy reportedly scoffed at the €15 million sweetener. The counter-proposal from Spurs is bold: give us Rodrygo, or pay the full €80 million valuation.
Mastantuono, who arrived from River Plate last summer (2025) with massive hype, has struggled to crack the starting XI in a star-studded Madrid midfield. A move to the Premier League could offer the 18-year-old the minutes he needs, but Spurs seem intent on immediate impact players like Rodrygo to save their own flailing season.
Thomas Frank on the Brink
The timing couldn’t be more volatile for Tottenham. Following a chaotic 2-2 draw with Manchester City, manager Thomas Frank is fighting for his job. The Danish boss dismissed Van de Ven’s absence in that match as minor, but the sharks are circling.
“Micky is a minor one. I fully expect him to be available for Man United, he just couldn’t make it for this game unfortunately.” — Thomas Frank, Tottenham Manager
With Van de Ven contracted until 2029, Spurs hold all the cards. But if Frank is sacked—as rumors suggest is imminent—a new manager might prefer the cash injection over keeping a defender with wandering eyes.
Bellingham Blow: The Tipping Point
Madrid’s urgency isn’t just about defense; it’s about survival. The club confirmed a devastating blow today: Jude Bellingham is out for a month.
The English superstar pulled up with a hamstring tear just nine minutes into Sunday’s 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. The club statement was grim:
“Following tests carried out today… he has been diagnosed with a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg.”
Bellingham will miss crucial clashes, with a target return date set for March 8 against Celta Vigo. With their midfield engine gone and defenders dropping like flies, Madrid’s sporting directorate knows they need a win in the transfer market to keep the season alive.
What’s Next?
Real Madrid have days to decide: sacrifice a “Galactico” like Rodrygo to secure their defense, or risk the season with a patchwork backline. For Spurs, holding onto Van de Ven might be the only thing keeping the fans from full-scale revolt.
