Tottenham are interested in signing another Brighton player alongside Jan Paul van Hecke.
Tottenham Hotspur have been busy making moves in the transfer market, as Roberto De Zerbi looks to rebuild the squad after a disastrous season.
With Andy Robertson’s signing already announced, and Marcos Senesi set to arrive on a free transfer from Bournemouth, Spurs are currently in talks with Brighton and Hove Albion for central defender Jan Paul van Hecke. The Dutchman has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham and is now waiting for an agreement to be found with Brighton.
The North London club have already done plenty of work on their backline this summer, and adding Van Hecke would give De Zerbi one of the most improved defensive units assembled in the Premier League for the next season. However, the 25-year-old isn’t the only Brighton player linked with a move to Spurs.
Recent reports suggest that Tottenham are keen on signing Carlos Baleba from the Seagulls. The Cameroonian midfielder is also on the radar of Manchester United, who were priced out of a move for the player by Brighton last year.
Tottenham tipped to sign Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba had a frustrating 2025/26 season, losing his first-team spot to veteran James Milner. The 22-year-old appeared distracted by Manchester United’s interest and was substituted at half time in three of Brighton’s first seven games. He started only 23 times in the Premier League, eight fewer than in the 2024/25 season.
Man United are eyeing a midfield rebuild and have already wrapped up the signing of Ederson of Atalanta, subject to official confirmation. The Red Devils have seemingly cooled their interest in Baleba, with the likes of Elliott Anderson, Mateus Fernandez, Alex Scott and Sandro Tonali ahead in the midfield shortlist.
Keeping that in mind, former scout Mick Brown has urged Tottenham to take advantage of the situation and sign Baleba. He thinks De Zerbi’s previous working relationship with the central midfielder could come in handy in getting a deal over the line.
“Tottenham could be tempted to make a move,” Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider.
“If clubs are dropping out of the race, then it might give them a better opportunity to do a deal with Brighton. De Zerbi has worked with him before and might feel he can get the best out of him and get him back to playing at his top level again.
“I don’t think the deal would be worth anywhere near what Brighton were asking for him last summer, that was never going to be realistic whoever was interested. That relationship with De Zerbi is the reason I think a move to Tottenham would be perfect for him to go and reignite his career, because he seemed to go backwards.
“A new environment with a manager who knows him well might be just what he needs, that’s going to be the most important thing for him.”
Brighton unlikely to demand £100million this summer
Brighton slapped a £100million plus price tag on Baleba last summer in a bid to stave off Man United. They were successful in their efforts of keeping hold of the African midfield powerhouse, but following a struggling campaign at the Amex Stadium, it is unlikely the Seagulls would want anywhere near that price tag this time around.
Spurs have an advantage now that United have cooled their interest in the Cameroonian international and switched to other midfield targets. Baleba is a talented midfielder with high potential, and his connection with De Zerbi provides a significant advantage in the transition that cannot be understated. Having previously worked under De Zerbi, he already understands the Italian’s tactical demands of operating in his system.
The Seagulls will not sell cheaply, but with Baleba keen to leave, Tottenham must not hesitate to test their resolve.