The Argus

The centre-back swapped NAC Breda for Albion in 2020 but he had to wait until August 2022 for his club debut.

The 2023/24 campaign was his breakout season, and ever since he has been a fixture in Albion's defence.

The 25-year-old was reportedly the subject of interest from Tottenham and Newcastle United this summer, and while Van Hecke wants to play at the "highest level", he is content at the Amex.

He told Voetbalzone, "There were rumours and some contact. That contact was from the Premier League. But it quickly became clear that a transfer this summer wouldn’t happen. That’s fine, because I’m happy at Brighton.

"My ambition is to stay here. I’ve been here for a few years now and I’m having a great time. The league suits me well, and I enjoy the atmosphere and the culture.

"I really feel at home. So, I don’t need to go to another country, unless, of course, some clubs come along that I can’t say no to.

"I have ambitions to play at the highest possible level and want to give myself that chance. For now, I think this is the ideal situation.

"Hopefully, it will be a good season and a World Cup; then we’ll see. It’s difficult to look a year ahead, of course."

Earlier this year, the former Blackburn Rovers loanee told The Argus that Albion is a "special club" and he had no plans to leave for the time being - especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

But with the Netherlands international's contract expiring in 2027, Albion may need to tie him down to a new deal soon or risk losing him for a smaller fee than they would like in the future.

Second-half goals from James Milner and Brajan Gruda secured Albion their first Premier League win of the season, while condemning City - who scored through Erling Haaland -to a second straight loss.

Ex-City stopper Hart outlined how Tottenham pounced upon his old team's high defensive line in their 2-0 win at the Etihad last month, as well as highlighting how Fabian Hurzeler's side punished them.

The 38-year-old observed that substitute Rico Lewis, who is not a right-back by trade but has often played there for City, was caught out of position as Albion broke for Gruda's winner.

He said on Match of the Day, "I think defensively there are some alarming patterns already in the first couple of games.

"[Rayan] Ait-Nouri is very much a defender but he is attack-minded. [There is] no problem losing possession there (in Albion's final third), City are fully used to that. Four v four, they are very comfortable with it.

"But what will alarm them is how easily Brighton slice through them. John Stones is looking to play that high line again. [Kaoru] Mitoma is not offside, simple pass. James Trafford makes a really decent save.

"What is alarming again for City is how easily Brighton bypass that midfield three - they are not even in the running. Brighton look so fresh, one pass, Trafford is in a good position, makes a good save for his team.

"This is the real problem. This is the match-winning moment, this is Rico Lewis. He plays a lot at right-back, but he is not a right-back by nature, and he proves it in this instance.

"He has a look at Mitoma, who is in a dangerous position. Lewis seems Mitoma but he still chooses (left-back) [Maxim] De Cuyper and his pass. Rico has carried on, and Pep Guardiola has seen the problem. Hurzeler can't believe his luck; he's really excited.

"John Stones has had to make a 30-yard run to cover his team-mate, he's out of control, he's having to make some sort of contact for his team. [Yasin] Ayari turns it over, and in the blink of an eye, we have a four v two situation."

Hart stressed that this is not a "crisis" for City but they need to get on top of this quickly, especially as many fans were optimistic about their chances heading into the season and after thrashing Wolves 4-0.

Incidentally, before Lewis replaced Matheus Nunes at right-back, the Portuguese midfielder gave away a penalty for handling Lewis Dunk's shot - so their issues in that position may not be easily remedied.

"This is not a crisis, but it's a difficult moment for them," he added. "There was a feel-good factor going into the season, but this has put a puncture in their balloon. They are going to have to address those situations and look at themselves defensively."

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The Seagulls are managing the Japan winger’s minutes.

But they want him available to produce magic from the bench if needed.

Mitoma went on and scored a stunning goal against Liverpool as part of an impressive overall display.

He has not started a game since the defeat at Crystal Palace with his last four appearances – and three goals – all coming off the bench.

Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler said: “We have to manage him.

“He has some small minor issues, not big issues, otherwise he can’t play.

Albion ignore the Spurs party - but what shape will the hosts be in?

“But overall he is not in his highest level regarding physicality, regarding readiness for the games.

“We really have to manage him but we know he has unbelievable individual qualities so it is always good to have him in the squad and to bring him on as sub.”

Mitoma was recently ruled out by a heel issue and has also been seen holding his back in recent weeks, although he told The Argus that was not an issue as he spoke at the players’ awards night.

Georginio Rutter will not be risked in the final match.

A point or better will secure eighth spot for the Seagulls as they visit Europa League winners Spurs on the final day of the season.

That could yet secure a Conference League berth but what state the hosts will be in remains to be seen.

Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler said: “We don't know. I think that's one of the questions I was asked most in the last few hours, but my answer will be always the same.

Hurzeler gives update on Joao Pedro ahead of Brighton's trip to Tottenham

“I can't influence how they celebrate or how they will prepare for the game.

“The only things I can influence are how we prepare our team, and we will try to be the best prepared team we can be.

“We don't know how the atmosphere will be.

“We don't know which team we will face and which mood they are in.

The key points as Hurzeler faces the media before Spurs trip

North London was theirs - now Albion can end winless run in the capital

“They are all factors and things we can't influence.

“The only thing we can do is make sure that we have a good training session, that we have a good training week and that we are mentally, physically ready for this game, because one thing that will 100% happen is we will face an opponent.

“They can beat every team in the league. They have individual quality. They play high intensity football, so that’s what we have to expect.”

Tottenham did not hurry home after their cup final win but were back in time for an open top bus parade late on Friday afternoon.

The Albion ace is currently on loan at Premier League strugglers Leicester City.

Buonanotte, 19, has impressed at the King Power Stadium despite the Fox's poor form on their return to the top flight.

The Argentine has netted four times and assisted two more in his eleven league appearances.

His latest goal came in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Brentford.

And his excellent showings have led to speculation that Spurs could make a move to sign him.

According to Spanish media, the North London outfit are keen on buying the attacking midfielder from Albion.

The report has even claimed that an offer worth £20.7million has been made.

Should a deal go through, then Albion would be set to make another decent chunk of profit, having signed Buonanotte for a reported £9.5m in 2022.

However, nearly £2m of that would have to be paid to his former side, Rosario Central, due to a believed 20 per cent sell-on clause.

Buonanotte has made 50 appearances for Albion since his arrival in January 2023, scoring five times and assisting two more.

Should Spurs attempt to push through a move in the January transfer window, then a deal will have to be agreed with Leicester as well.

His move in the East Midlands was expected to last the full season, so an agreement will have to be made to cut the loan short.

Albion made it a 3-2 win after trailing by two goals at half-time.

The team is currently sixth in the Premier League and with only a single loss.

A sea of blue and white clad fans cheered on their team even during the disappointing first half.

Albion are now preparing to play Newcastle United on October 19 after the international break.

The most obvious is who plays in defence while Jan Paul van Hecke is out.

Adam Webster made a costly mistake at Chelsea but also did some good work.

Igor impressed in defence and with the ball went he went on as sub in the second half and, as a left-sided defender, allowed Lewis Dunk to play on the right of the four.

But there is also an argument that Igor went on at Stamford Bridge when the Chelsea storm was relenting a little.

Joel Veltman looks a certain starter at right-back after illness.

But what about the other full-back spot? Does that free-up Ferdi Kadioglu to switch to left-back?

Is Pervis Estupinan doing enough to retain his starting spot?

Or does Jack Hinshelwood drop back in there?

Hinshelwood was one of three central midfielders at Chelsea with Mats Wieffer and Carlos Baleba but that is out-of-keeping with what Huerzeler had done in previous games.

Going through the team position by position, it is possible not to include Hinshelwood in the XI – but do you want his qualities and versatility in there somewhere?

In attack, with Joao Pedro still missing, Yankuba Minteh is a contender to return to the XI, partly because of his work off the ball.

Georginio Rutter, praised for his progress by Huerzeler, could operate centrally with Danny Welbeck.

Huerzeler was hoping to add Gruda and James Milner to his matchday squad while Solly March had 25 minutes for the 21s yesterday.

As ever, the XI which finishes the game could be as important as that which starts.

The hugely popular midfielder is returning to say thank you and goodbye to fans after his summer switch to Borussia Dortmund.

Gross and fans did not get chance to say their farewell before his transfer.

With Dortmund playing on Saturday, he now has the chance to visit his former footballing home.

Gross will be interviewed at pitchside ten minutes before the 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday.

The last of his 30 Premier League goals came at Tottenham last season.

He also converted a crucial penalty against Spurs at the Amex to secure a 1-1 draw as Albion inched towards safety in their first Prem campaign.

Albion chairman Tony Bloom has described Gross as the club’s greatest-ever Premier League signing.

When Gross left, Bloom said: “The term legend is often overused, but in Pascal's case he is a genuine legend of this club and will be welcome back here at any time in the future."

Gross has been a regular in the Dortmund midfield this season and helped them thrash Celtic 7-1 in the Champions League in midweek.