Tottenham consider future move for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke
Spurs revisit interest in emerging Dutch centre back
Tottenham Hotspur are exploring the possibility of making a formal bid for Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke in 2026, according to TEAMtalk. The London club have monitored the Netherlands international for several seasons and previously discussed whether to move for him during last summer’s transfer window, but ultimately redirected their spending toward other areas of the squad.
Who is Jan Paul van Hecke and why does he matter
Van Hecke, who plays as a central defender, has developed into an important part of Brighton’s defensive structure. Known for his composure on the ball, strong positional sense and ability to play in teams that build from the back, he has drawn interest from several Premier League sides. For readers less familiar with English football, Tottenham is one of the league’s largest clubs, while Brighton has earned a reputation for identifying and developing young talent that often becomes sought after by bigger teams.
If Spurs choose to pursue him in 2026, reports indicate that any offer could reach around £40 million, reflecting both his age and his increasing importance to Brighton’s system.
What this potential transfer means for both clubs
A future move for van Hecke would signal Tottenham’s intention to secure long term defensive depth as the club continues its rebuild. For Brighton, ongoing interest in their players illustrates the success of their recruitment strategy, but also the continual challenge of retaining key performers once larger clubs take notice.
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Sources, TEAMtalk
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