Tottenham are expected to make a second bid soon for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
Tottenham Hotspur have shown a desire to get their transfer business done early this summer window to allow Roberto De Zerbi ample time to integrate them into his squad.
While the summer transfer window is yet to officially open, Spurs have already agreed deals with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. The duo are set to join on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively, at the end of the month.
As the club have seemingly prioritised tightening the screws at the back, they lodged a bid to sign Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke on Thursday afternoon. Brighton rejected Tottenham’s opening bid as it fell short of their £70 million valuation of the central defender. Now, new developments have emerged on Tottenham’s move for the Dutchman.
Tottenham agree personal terms with Jan Paul van Hecke
According to a report by Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Tottenham have reached an agreement over personal terms with Jan Paul van Hecke. The two clubs are in negotiations to find an agreement, with a deal possibly being finalised before the World Cup begins next week.
The Netherlands international is understood to be looking for a new challenge in his career. Van Hecke is very open to joining Tottenham and reuniting with Roberto De Zerbi, having entered the final year of his contract at the Amex Stadium. Spurs are expected to return with another offer as they remain keen on signing the 25-year-old.
De Zerbi and Van Hecke worked together at Brighton between 2022 and 2024, and the Tottenham boss views the defender as a pivotal player in his squad rebuild. The Arnemuiden-born talent, who is part of the Netherlands’ World Cup squad, has gone on to make 131 appearances for Brighton, including 36 starts in the Premier League last term. He has quickly developed himself into one of the most dependable centre-halves in the Premier League in recent years, impressing with his mix of technical ability, physicality and aerial prowess.
It is worth noting that Van Hecke has just 12 months (h/t Transfermarkt) remaining on his current contract and, should he not be sold this summer, he could leave Brighton on a free transfer next year. The Seagulls are fully aware of that situation, yet they remain resolute to maximise any potential sale. Given their history of being tough negotiators, having received fees in excess of £50m for Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro in recent years, Spurs may have to come close to their £70 million valuation via structured payments, bonuses and potential add-ons.
Nonetheless, the good thing is that the North London club have reached an agreement with Van Hecke, and there is a hunger to agree on a fee with Brighton before the World Cup in North America commences next week. Hopefully, we get a deal done quickly.