Tottenham have completed the £52m signing of Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, in a deal that reunites the 26-year-old with head coach Roberto De Zerbi and brings a second Dutch international to the club’s backline.
Van Hecke, who had a year left on his contract with the Seagulls, has signed what Spurs called a “long‑term” contract. The transfer also includes a significant sell‑on clause for Brighton should the centre‑back be sold in the future.
“Tottenham have signed Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m, reuniting him with Roberto De Zerbi.”
“It’s a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it’s a dream come true,” Van Hecke said. The defender was Brighton’s player of the season and players’ player of the season for 2024‑25, having made 131 appearances for the club since arriving from NAC Breda in 2020. Last season he started 36 of 38 Premier League games as Fabian Hurzeler’s side finished eighth, securing European qualification for only the second time in the club’s history.
Van Hecke will now line up alongside his Netherlands international teammate Micky van de Ven, who he partnered in the World Cup opener against Japan, as well as fellow Dutchman Xavi Simons, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury. “I already have a really strong connection with the head coach, who I’m looking forward to working with again,” Van Hecke added. “Micky has also told me some great things about the club, so I can’t wait to get started.”
Spurs sporting director Johan Lange said the club had been tracking Van Hecke “for a number of years”. De Zerbi, who previously coached the defender at Brighton, said: “Jan Paul is someone I know very well from our time together at Brighton, and I’m delighted to be working with him again. He is a strong, intelligent centre‑back who is brave in possession and plays with personality. Those are important qualities for the way I want my team to set up.”
The signing reinforces a Tottenham defence that already includes Van de Ven, and marks a significant investment as Spurs look to build on last season’s fifth‑place finish under the Italian head coach.