Joe Cole Urges Chelsea to Sign Defender Who Could Be Available If Club Is Relegated

Former England international Joe Cole has urged Chelsea to make a bold move for Micky van de Ven, as Tottenham’s difficult season raises serious questions about their future in the Premier League.

It is a situation few would have predicted at the start of the campaign. But after another damaging defeat, this time against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur now find themselves in a dangerous position near the bottom of the table. With each passing week, the threat of relegation is becoming more real.

For Chelsea fans, the idea of Spurs dropping into the Championship would bring obvious satisfaction. However, beyond the rivalry, it could also present a major opportunity in the transfer market.

A window of opportunity for Chelsea

Relegation often forces clubs to make difficult decisions. High-profile players rarely want to stay in the second tier, and financial pressure can lead to cut-price sales. This is exactly the scenario that Cole believes Chelsea should be ready to exploit.

Speaking about potential defensive reinforcements, Cole did not hesitate to name Van de Ven as the ideal target.

“Micky van de Ven from Tottenham,” Cole said. “I think he’s looking like he wants to leave and I think he would be a brilliant addition for Chelsea. They want to play that high line and you need a defender with pace and, you know, a good one-on-one defender. He’s brilliant.”

It is a strong endorsement, but one that makes sense when you look at Chelsea’s current problems.

Chelsea’s defensive issues under scrutiny

Under head coach Liam Rosenior, Chelsea have tried to adopt a more aggressive style of play. The team often pushes high up the pitch, looking to win the ball early and control possession.

While the idea is clear, the execution has not always been convincing. Defensive mistakes have cost the team valuable points, and recent heavy defeats have exposed a lack of stability at the back.

Currently, playing a high line requires very specific qualities from defenders. Speed is essential, as centre-backs must be able to recover quickly when the opposition breaks through. Positioning, awareness, and strong one-on-one defending are equally important.

Van de Ven fits that profile almost perfectly.

Why Van de Ven stands out

Since arriving in England, the Dutch defender has built a reputation as one of the quickest centre-backs in the league. His pace allows him to cover large spaces behind the defensive line, which is exactly what teams like Chelsea need.

But his game is not just about speed. Van de Ven is also comfortable on the ball, able to pass out from the back and contribute to building attacks. In one-on-one situations, he is calm and composed, often making clean, well-timed challenges.

These qualities have made him one of Tottenham’s most reliable performers, even during a difficult season. That consistency is likely one of the reasons Cole believes he could transform Chelsea’s defence.

The Tottenham factor

Of course, any potential move would depend heavily on Tottenham’s situation. If they manage to avoid relegation, it would be far more difficult for Chelsea to sign one of their key players.

However, if the worst does happen, the dynamic changes completely.

Players of Van de Ven’s quality will not want to spend a season in the Championship, especially at a crucial stage of their careers. At the same time, Tottenham may need to reduce their wage bill and raise funds, making sales almost unavoidable.

Chelsea, with their financial power and need for defensive improvement, would be well placed to take advantage.

A move that makes tactical sense

From a tactical point of view, the transfer would address one of Chelsea’s biggest weaknesses.

Too often this season, Chelsea’s defenders have been caught out by quick counter-attacks. Opponents have targeted the space behind the backline, knowing that recovery runs can be slow and disorganised.

Adding a player like Van de Ven would immediately reduce that vulnerability. His pace would allow the team to maintain a high defensive line without being constantly exposed.

It would also give Rosenior more flexibility in how he sets up his team. With a faster centre-back, Chelsea could press higher, take more risks, and dominate games more effectively.

More than just a rivalry move

While the idea of signing a player from Tottenham would excite fans for obvious reasons, this is not just about rivalry. It is about building a team capable of competing at the highest level again.

Chelsea have invested heavily in recent years, but results have been inconsistent. For all the attacking talent in the squad, defensive solidity remains a major concern.

Cole’s suggestion highlights the importance of getting the basics right. No matter how good a team is going forward, success often starts with a strong and reliable defence.

A decision that could shape Chelsea’s future

As the season moves towards its conclusion, Chelsea will already be planning for the next transfer window. Decisions made in the coming months could define the club’s direction for years to come.

Signing Van de Ven would not solve every problem, but it could be a key step in the right direction.

For now, much depends on Tottenham’s fate. If their struggles continue and relegation becomes a reality, the transfer market could open up in unexpected ways.

And if that happens, Chelsea may just have the perfect opportunity to strengthen their squad with a player who fits their system — and their ambitions — perfectly.