News Focus
- Tottenham Hotspur agree £52 million deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke
- The 24-year-old centre-back previously worked under Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi at the south-coast club
- Van Hecke rejected other clubs and only wanted to join the North London side
- The Netherlands international has one year remaining on his current Brighton contract
- The player considers De Zerbi a ‘father figure’ after playing 50 games under him
Tottenham Hotspur have secured an agreement to sign defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion. The North London club will pay approximately £52 million for the Netherlands international.
The centre-back is eager to reunite with Roberto De Zerbi, who now manages Spurs. The pair worked together at Brighton between 2023 and 2024, where Van Hecke made 50 appearances under the Italian coach. The player describes De Zerbi as a “father figure”, and this strong bond influenced his decision to move.
Sources indicate that Van Hecke had his heart set on a transfer to Tottenham specifically. He turned down interest from other clubs because he only wanted to join the North London outfit.
The 24-year-old still has one year left on his contract with Brighton. His arrival will bolster Spurs’ defence as the club looks to revamp their backline for the upcoming campaign.