News Focus
- Tottenham Hotspur have signed Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52 million
- The centre-back reunites with manager Roberto De Zerbi, who previously coached him for two seasons at Brighton
- This marks Spurs’ third defensive signing of the summer following the arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi
- The club is rebuilding its backline after conceding 122 goals across the past two Premier League campaigns
Tottenham Hotspur have finalised the capture of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton. The north London club paid £52 million to secure the Dutch international centre-back. This deal represents their third new arrival during the current summer window.
The 26-year-old will team up with Roberto De Zerbi once more. The Italian head coach worked with the defender for two years at Brighton before moving to Spurs. De Zerbi took charge of Tottenham late last season and guided the club to Premier League safety after a difficult 2025-26 campaign.
Spurs finished in 17th place last term. They secured their survival with a victory against Everton on the final day of the season. Following this narrow escape, the club’s owners, the Lewis family, pledged to provide funds for a major squad rebuild.
Tottenham initially submitted two offers for Van Hecke this month. Brighton rejected both proposals. However, a third bid worth £52 million was accepted, allowing the player to sign a long-term contract with the club.
Van Hecke expressed his delight at joining the club. He highlighted his existing relationship with De Zerbi as a key factor in his decision. Fellow Dutch international Micky van de Ven also recommended the move with positive comments about the club.
The defender is eager to play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in front of the home supporters. He has previously visited the ground as an opposition player but now looks forward to wearing the Spurs shirt.
De Zerbi has prioritised strengthening his defence after Tottenham conceded 122 goals over the past two league seasons. The club already signed left-back Andy Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi on free transfers earlier in the window.
The manager praised Van Hecke’s qualities both on and off the pitch. He described the player as strong, intelligent and brave when in possession of the ball. De Zerbi also noted that the defender is a mature leader who shows hunger to improve every day.
Van Hecke began his professional career with NAC Breda in the Netherlands. Brighton purchased him in 2020, and he gained experience through loan spells at Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers. De Zerbi handed the defender his senior debut for Brighton during the 2022-23 season.