Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan-Paul van Hecke.
Van Hecke, 25, joined Brighton from Eredivisie side NAC Breda in 2020 for a fee of just £2m, and has since developed into one of the Premier League’s more reliable centre-backs.
His standout 2024-25 campaign earned him Brighton’s Player of the Season award, and he has continued to deliver consistent performances this term. Roberto De Zerbi previously described the Netherlands international as possessing “incredible leadership” qualities—high praise from a coach who has worked with some of the division’s finest defenders.
Spurs have long admired Van Hecke and view him as an ideal fit for their defensive setup. Their interest dates back to last summer, when the club considered a formal approach.
Brighton are believed to have set a valuation of around £50m for the defender, though his hesitation to sign a new deal—his current contract runs until 2027—has boosted Tottenham’s hopes of securing him for below that asking price.
The Seagulls have a well-established record of holding out for top value when selling prized assets, as demonstrated by the fees received for Ben White, Marc Cucurella, and Alexis Mac Allister in recent years.
Liverpool are also monitoring the Dutch defender, meaning Spurs face competition should they move forward with a formal approach. The prospect of playing alongside compatriot Micky van de Ven at Spurs, as well as a reunion with De Zerbi, could still prove persuasive factors in Tottenham’s favour.
Whether the north London club remain in the Premier League will likely determine how credible their pursuit ultimately is.