The pair formed a strong connection during their time together at former club Brighton & Hove Albion where the centre-back enjoyed a breakthrough season under the Italian in 2023/24, playing 39 times in all competitions to add to his 13 from the previous campaign.
The 26-year-old has since amassed 106 Premier League games and is another who brings proven experience in the division alongside fellow new defensive recruits Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.
All three are currently competing in this summer’s World Cup over in the United States, Canada and Mexico with Holland international Jan Paul lining up alongside compatriot Micky van de Ven – or agent Micky – in defence for their opening 2-2 draw with Japan on 14 June.
After signing a long-term deal with the club on Thursday evening, the defender said: "I'm really looking forward to playing for Spurs because it's such a big club and it's a big honour that I can join them.
"I got a very good feeling from the directors, and of course also from the manager, who I knew from Brighton and had a good time with him, so my connection with the manager is really strong. Also from Johan (Lange) and the owners, I got a really good feeling.
"Micky also told me some really good things about the club and was happy when he heard I was going to join. He was honest with me and said it's such a big club, the fans are really nice and there are really good people in the club.
"So now I have a really good impression of how the club is, and I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone."
Excelling for the Seagulls once again last term, starting each of his 36 Premier League appearances, the front-footed central defender registered the second most passes in the league (2,500) and contributed a senior career-best three goals and three assists – featuring a brace against Aston Villa – in 2025/26.
"I think I’m a player who will always give everything and leave my heart out on the pitch," vowed the former Blackburn Rovers loanee.
"I try to win every game, I try to win every tackle, every duel. And I think on the ball it's also my strength that I can play nice passes between the lines, play forward and play behind the lines.
"I can be a defender who is good on the ball, but also who does really like defending, being aggressive and playing on the front foot.
"I'm excited to join the club and I'm already looking forward to playing my first game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. I've played there as a guy from the other team, but now I'm going to play there with the Tottenham Hotspur fans. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone.”