Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly most likely to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, according to a club insider. The potential move comes as new Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi explores options to strengthen his squad following a disappointing 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season.
De Zerbi, who recently signed a five-year contract with Tottenham, is believed to be keen on reuniting with several players from his former club. While goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and midfielder Carlos Baleba have also been linked with a move to north London, John Wenham, a Tottenham Hotspur insider, suggests that van Hecke is the most attainable of the three.
Wenham stated to Tottenham News that securing all three players from Brighton would be “incredibly unlikely,” given the club’s reputation for tough negotiations. However, he was particularly impressed with van Hecke’s performance against Spurs in April, describing him as a “very commanding centre-back.”
Van Hecke, 24, enjoyed a strong season with Brighton, making 50 appearances under De Zerbi and contributing six goals. The Netherlands international is a right-sided centre-back, a position that could become available at Tottenham if Cristian Romero departs as expected. The club has already agreed deals to sign experienced defenders Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, but further reinforcement in central defence is still considered a priority.
The potential arrival of van Hecke would provide De Zerbi with a familiar face and a player well-suited to his high-intensity style of play. It would also address a key area of concern for Tottenham, as they look to avoid another relegation battle and climb back up the Premier League table.
