The Premier League has released its fixtures for the 2026-27 season, with champions Arsenal set to begin their title defence away at Coventry. The announcement came on the same day Tottenham completed the £52m signing of Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.
Van Hecke, 26, who had a year left on his contract with the Seagulls, has signed what Spurs called a “long-term” deal. The transfer also contains a significant sell-on fee for Brighton should the defender be sold in the future.
“Tottenham sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m as Premier League fixtures are released.”
“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.
He will be joining forces with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who he played under at Brighton following his move to the Amex Stadium from NAC Breda in 2020. The move also pairs him with international team-mate Micky van de Ven, who he lined up alongside in the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Japan, plus 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.”
Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange said the club had been tracking Van Hecke “for a number of years”. Van Hecke made 131 appearances for Brighton and started 36 out of 38 Premier League games for Fabian Hurzeler’s side last season as they finished eighth, securing European qualification for only the second time in the club’s history.
De Zerbi expressed his delight at the reunion. “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 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 our team to set-up.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal face a difficult start to their title defence, with the fixture list handing them a tricky opener away to Coventry. The Gunners are bidding to win the Premier League crown for the very first time in consecutive seasons.