Jan Paul van Hecke stood in front of the cameras at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground, a smile stretching across his face. "It's a huge honour to become a Spurs player," he said. "When you join such a big club, it's a dream come true." The 26-year-old Netherlands defender had just completed a £52m move from Brighton, signing what the club described as a "long-term" deal. The transfer also includes a significant sell-on clause for Brighton should Van Hecke be sold in the future.
The Dutch international, who had a year left on his contract at the Amex, made 131 appearances for the Seagulls and started 36 of 38 Premier League games last season as Brighton finished eighth and qualified for Europe for only the second time in their history. He reunites with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who he played under at Brighton after moving from NAC Breda in 2020. "Jan Paul is someone I know very well from our time together at Brighton," De Zerbi said. "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."
“Tottenham have signed Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m, while a bid for Sandro Tonali was rejected by Newcastle.”
Van Hecke will also line up alongside international teammate Micky van de Ven, who he played with in the Netherlands' World Cup opener against Japan, and 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 said. "Micky has also told me some great things about the club, so I can't wait to get started." Tottenham's sporting director, Johan Lange, said the club had been tracking Van Hecke "for a number of years".
But the north London club's summer business has not all gone to plan. Newcastle United have rejected a bid from Spurs for Sandro Tonali, believed to be around £80m, with the Italian international also attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester City. Meanwhile, Tottenham are said to be preparing a bid for Liverpool's Cody Gakpo after the Netherlands international contributed three goals in his country's 5-1 thrashing of Sweden. The transfer window is far from closed, and Spurs are clearly not finished yet.