Tottenham Hotspur are most likely to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Hove Albion this summer, according to a club insider. The move would see the Dutch centre-back reunite with new Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi, who previously managed him at Brighton.
Tottenham appointed De Zerbi on a five-year contract with a mandate to improve the team’s fortunes after a second consecutive 17th-place finish in the Premier League. The club has pledged significant funds to allow De Zerbi to reshape the squad, with free transfers for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi already reportedly agreed.
While De Zerbi has been linked with a triple raid on his former club, bringing in goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and midfielder Carlos Baleba alongside van Hecke, Tottenham News’ John Wenham believes a move for the defender is the most realistic. Wenham stated that securing three players from Brighton would be “incredibly unlikely” given the club’s reputation for tough negotiations.
Van Hecke, 24, enjoyed a strong season with Brighton, making 50 appearances under De Zerbi and contributing six goals or assists. He impressed observers with his commanding presence and ability on the ball, notably in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April, where he assisted Brighton’s late equaliser.
The Netherlands international is a naturally right-sided centre-back, a profile that would fill a potential void in the Tottenham squad should Cristian Romero depart as expected. Doubts also linger over the future of Micky van de Ven, while highly-rated prospect Luka Vuskovic may be loaned out for further development. The addition of van Hecke would provide De Zerbi with a key component in his preferred high-octane style of play and strengthen a defensive line in need of reinforcement.
