Tottenham Hotspur are actively pursuing the signature of Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke, with a fresh bid reportedly in the works. The 26-year-old centre-back has only one year remaining on his contract with the Seagulls, making him an attractive target for the north London club.
Van Hecke Speaks on His Future
Van Hecke has broken his silence on the transfer speculation, stating that he already has clarity regarding his club future. He hinted at a potential reunion with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, who now leads Spurs. However, the Dutch international emphasized that his primary focus is on the upcoming World Cup with the Netherlands.
“First of all, I just want to focus on the Dutch national team on Sunday. That is a very important match for us, for me. So that’s my focus until now. Of course, things are also playing, and I know that myself too. But that’s not for now, that’s more after the World Cup. I will then see where I play,” Van Hecke said.
He added, “I have also said very clearly that I would like to have clarity for myself before the World Cup. And I have that too. But then for now for myself it’s just clear. I just want to play the World Cup as well as possible. That clarity will probably come after the World Cup when I make that step, then it’s clear to everyone.”
Transfer Developments
Tottenham have already seen two bids rejected for Van Hecke, but discussions between the clubs are ongoing. Brighton, meanwhile, are reportedly preparing for his potential departure by pursuing Croatian talent Luka Vuskovic, with a £30 million offer already tabled.
Van Hecke is expected to partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence for the Netherlands in their Group F opener against Japan in Dallas. The defender is also fulfilling a childhood dream by making his World Cup debut, following in the footsteps of his uncle Jan Poortvliet, who played for Holland in the 1978 final.
Financial Implications
Van Hecke’s potential transfer to Spurs would also benefit his former club NAC Breda, who hold a 7.5 percent sell-on clause. Reflecting on his journey, Van Hecke said, “My story is special anyway, because I was still playing as a main class amateur at 17. We were promoted then and that is of course special now that you take such a step and very nice amounts will eventually go back to where you started. Of course those people are watching and thinking about that amount!”
World Cup Focus
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman is hopeful that Van Hecke’s Brighton teammate Bart Verbruggen will be fit to start in goal, despite a recent hip injury picked up in a warm-up match against Uzbekistan.
