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Tottenham confirmed the signing of Brighton central defender Jan Paul Van Hecke on Thursday evening, signing the Netherlands international on a "long-term" contract with the North London club. The 26-year-old talent makes the move to Spurs for a reported fee of €60 million and is the club's third defensive signing ahead of the new season, following the arrival of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively.

"It's a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it's a dream come true," said the defender in a club statement on the Tottenham website. "I already have a really strong connection with the head coach, who I'm looking forward to working with again. Micky (van de Ven) has also told me some great things about the club, so I can't wait to get started. I've been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player and now I'm looking forward to walking out there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment."

Van Hecke's deal isn't quite as high as the €80m fee Brighton were reportedly holding out for, but the Dutchman still makes the move to Tottenham for a sizable sum of money. At €60m, Van Hecke departs Brighton as the club's third biggest sale of all time and joins Tottenham as their fourth most expensive signing of all time. The North London club have also never spent so much money on a defender before, with the Dutch talent ranking 13th in the Premier League's list of biggest transfer fees paid for a defender. As the graphic below shows, a €60m fee would also make Van Hecke the 18th most expensive central defender ever, coming just short of what Manchester City paid for Matheus Nunes.

The most obvious reason behind Tottenham’s aggressive move for Van Hecke is due to the likelihood of Cristian Romero departing the club this summer. The Argentine talent may currently be the Spurs captain, but the last 12 months have shown the 28-year-old defender to be somewhat unreliable on the pitch, concerning constant suspensions and injuries, as well as off-the-field issues that frustrated fans. And constant links to Atlético Madrid suggest that Tottenham are now looking to move on their senior defender and need a ready-made replacement to slot in alongside Micky van de Ven and Luka Vuskovic.

This comes on the back of Tottenham’s wider problems in defence. Last season, the North London club conceded 57 goals in 38 games, which was the fourth-worst defensive record in the entire league. As such, Van Hecke joins a host of new faces in defence next season, and with every intention of trying to help the club steer clear of the issues that almost led to relegation just a few months ago.

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Sandro Tonali may not be at this summer's World Cup, after Italy sensationally didn't qualify, but that hasn't stopped the Newcastle midfielder dominating the headlines. Many clubs are thought to be circling around signing the 26 year old this summer, who is reportedly open to a move away from St James' Park. The latest reports suggest that Tottenham, who narrowly avoided relegation last term, are in positive talks with the camp of Tonali over a potential summer move. Tonali’s Newcastle contract runs until 2029 and the club have a unilateral clause to extend by a further year.

There has been no actual contact so far with Newcastle but, if an agreement looks with the player looks on, club-to-club contact will likely follow. The transfer fee is considered a bigger challenge for Spurs than striking a deal with Tonali himself. Tottenham are prepared to push hard for a statement signing, which is being driven by head coach and Tonali's compatriot Roberto De Zerbi, and is being backed by the club. But Spurs aren't the only side in town. Here at Transfermarkt, we have picked out four clubs who could sign Tonali this summer.

Four clubs who could sign Sandro Tonali

Tottenham

Spurs have certainly shown ambition so far this summer, and let's face it, it was needed. The club have been up there with the biggest spenders this decade yet were dangerously close to being in the Championship next term. They need to get the fans back on side. Signing a player of Tonali's calibre would be a real statement, and would vastly improve Tottenham's very limited midfield. It does still seem fairly unlikely that Tonali will accept the move, given Champions League clubs are also interested, but perhaps De Zerbi and his faith in the player could be the deciding factor.

Arsenal

Tottenham fans have already been haunted by North London-rivals Arsenal hijacking their deal for Eberechi Eze last summer. The midfielder went on to score five against Spurs as the Gunners won the Premier League. Could it strike again with Tonali? Reports at the end of the winter window claimed Tonali had been offered to Arsenal then by the midfielder’s agent. The Italian has long been admired by Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta. However, Newcastle were unwilling to do business late in the winter window and their asking price went beyond Arsenal’s financial capabilities at the time. That could potentially change this summer, and the Gunners are thought to be in the market for a midfielder.

Manchester United

Another team very much in the market for midfielders this summer is Manchester United. With Casemiro moving on, numbers already low in the middle of the park, and Champions League football returning to Old Trafford, the Red Devils are expected to bring in at least two central midfielders. Brazilian Éderson's arrival looks imminent, but Tonali is another one who has been consistently linked with a move to United. His Premier League experience could be vital, and he could form a top partnership with Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park.

Manchester City

Just a few miles away, Manchester City are also in the market for a midfielder. The Sky Blues have been heavily linked with Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliott Anderson, but the prices being touted by the Midlands club are astronomical. Should this cause City to walk away from that deal, they may just turn to Tonali, who has been previously linked with a move to the Etihad. With Bernardo Silva gone and Rodri's future not certain, it could tick a lot of boxes.

Sandro Tonali may not be at this summer's World Cup, after Italy sensationally didn't qualify, but that hasn't stopped the Newcastle midfielder dominating the headlines. Many clubs are thought to be circling around signing the 26 year old this summer, who is reportedly open to a move away from St James' Park. The latest reports suggest that Tottenham, who narrowly avoided relegation last term, are in positive talks with the camp of Tonali over a potential summer move. Tonali’s Newcastle contract runs until 2029 and the club have a unilateral clause to extend by a further year.

There has been no actual contact so far with Newcastle but, if an agreement looks with the player looks on, club-to-club contact will likely follow. The transfer fee is considered a bigger challenge for Spurs than striking a deal with Tonali himself. Tottenham are prepared to push hard for a statement signing, which is being driven by head coach and Tonali's compatriot Roberto De Zerbi, and is being backed by the club. But Spurs aren't the only side in town. Here at Transfermarkt, we have picked out four clubs who could sign Tonali this summer.

Four clubs who could sign Sandro Tonali

Tottenham

Spurs have certainly shown ambition so far this summer, and let's face it, it was needed. The club have been up there with the biggest spenders this decade yet were dangerously close to being in the Championship next term. They need to get the fans back on side. Signing a player of Tonali's calibre would be a real statement, and would vastly improve Tottenham's very limited midfield. It does still seem fairly unlikely that Tonali will accept the move, given Champions League clubs are also interested, but perhaps De Zerbi and his faith in the player could be the deciding factor.

Arsenal

Tottenham fans have already been haunted by North London-rivals Arsenal hijacking their deal for Eberechi Eze last summer. The midfielder went on to score five against Spurs as the Gunners won the Premier League. Could it strike again with Tonali? Reports at the end of the winter window claimed Tonali had been offered to Arsenal then by the midfielder’s agent. The Italian has long been admired by Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta. However, Newcastle were unwilling to do business late in the winter window and their asking price went beyond Arsenal’s financial capabilities at the time. That could potentially change this summer, and the Gunners are thought to be in the market for a midfielder.

Manchester United

Another team very much in the market for midfielders this summer is Manchester United. With Casemiro moving on, numbers already low in the middle of the park, and Champions League football returning to Old Trafford, the Red Devils are expected to bring in at least two central midfielders. Brazilian Éderson's arrival looks imminent, but Tonali is another one who has been consistently linked with a move to United. His Premier League experience could be vital, and he could form a top partnership with Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park.

Manchester City

Just a few miles away, Manchester City are also in the market for a midfielder. The Sky Blues have been heavily linked with Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliott Anderson, but the prices being touted by the Midlands club are astronomical. Should this cause City to walk away from that deal, they may just turn to Tonali, who has been previously linked with a move to the Etihad. With Bernardo Silva gone and Rodri's future not certain, it could tick a lot of boxes.

Brighton & Hove Albion have submitted an initial €34.8 million offer to sign Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur. As first reported by the Athletic, Brighton are determined to sign the hugely talented centre-back and it’s claimed that Vuskovic is keen on a move to the Seagulls. The 19-year-old is widely viewed as one of the best young defenders in Europe after his reputation soared during an excellent loan spell at Hamburg last season.

Vuskovic, who is currently at the World Cup with Croatia, made 28 appearances in the Bundesliga, scoring six goals as Hamburg avoided relegation after their promotion. It’s widely expected that Vuskovic would play an important role for Tottenham next season but there’s significant interest in the centre-back across Europe. It’s understood that the Croat prefers a move to a smaller club like Brighton, where he’s guaranteed first-team football and he has a good relationship with Fabian Hürzeler. An interesting sideplot is that Tottenham have had two bids rejected already this summer for Jan Paul van Hecke and could Vuskovic move in the opposite direction?

Luka Vuskovic: Incredible rise across last season

At the start of last season Vuskovic’s market value stood at just €12m but it skyrocketed by €48m during his season in Germany to his current valuation of €60m. Brighton’s bid falls more than €25m short of his current market value and it would be a huge surprise if Tottenham sanction a sale at the price. Only nine players had a bigger increase in market value last season with fellow Bundesliga star Yan Diomande topping the list at +€88.5m.

Moreover, Vuskovic had the second highest rise in market value of any defender in the world and the teenager is currently the joint-second most valuable U21 centre-back on the planet. His €60m market value is level with Dean Huijsen but Vuskovic is ranked higher than the Real Madrid star due to being younger, which is Transfermarkt policy. Barcelona star Pau Cubarsi takes top spot with the Spanish defender valued at €80m.

Last summer, Tottenham failed to get a number of deals over the line, as they missed out on the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze and Savinho. However, a year later, and after a dangerously close flirt with relegation last term, Spurs are reportedly back in for the latter of those players. Negotiations are thought to be ongoing and progressing well for Brazilian winger Savinho to move to Tottenham this summer. The 22-year-old reportedly wants the move, having only played 18% of Manchester City's Premier League minutes last season.

Savinho was signed from City's sister club Troyes for €25 million in 2024, after a loan spell at Girona, but has failed to have much of an impact in the Premier League. In his first season, he scored just one goal in the league but did manage 10 assists. However, last term, it was just one league goal and two league assists for the Brazilian. Nevertheless, going from City to Spurs will likely mean going from a bit-part player to one of the stars of the teams. Could it just resurrect Savinho's reputation on English shores?

Can Savinho revive reputation at Tottenham?

As illustrated in the graphic above, when we compare Savinho's goal output to all Premier League players since he arrived at Man City in the summer of 2024, he ranks as low down as 266th. Whilst Savinho has played less minutes than many of the top players, just two goals in 53 matches is an atrocious output for a player in his position - especially when we consider he is playing in one of the best functioning attacking teams in Europe. For context, fellow Brazilian winger Rayan arrived at Bournemouth in January and already has five goals in just 15 games, and no Premier League team scored more goals than Man City last season.

However, there have been brief signs that true quality is there - particularly during his first season. His ability to beat defenders and provide assists caught the eye, but it seems the confidence has been slowly taken out of him over his past two seasons at the Etihad. Perhaps a fresh start is just what he needs. Given Tottenham's limited options going forward, Savinho will most likely be a guaranteed starter in North London, and that responsibility may help reinstall some confidence. The Brazilian has a current market value of just €35m (down from €55m when he first joined City), but some early reports suggest that a deal to Spurs could be struck for over €50m.

Last summer, Tottenham failed to get a number of deals over the line, as they missed out on the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze and Savinho. However, a year later, and after a dangerously close flirt with relegation last term, Spurs are reportedly back in for the latter of those players. Negotiations are thought to be ongoing and progressing well for Brazilian winger Savinho to move to Tottenham this summer. The 22-year-old reportedly wants the move, having only played 18% of Manchester City's Premier League minutes last season.

Savinho was signed from City's sister club Troyes for €25 million in 2024, after a loan spell at Girona, but has failed to have much of an impact in the Premier League. In his first season, he scored just one goal in the league but did manage 10 assists. However, last term, it was just one league goal and two league assists for the Brazilian. Nevertheless, going from City to Spurs will likely mean going from a bit-part player to one of the stars of the teams. Could it just resurrect Savinho's reputation on English shores?

Can Savinho revive reputation at Tottenham?

As illustrated in the graphic above, when we compare Savinho's goal output to all Premier League players since he arrived at Man City in the summer of 2024, he ranks as low down as 266th. Whilst Savinho has played less minutes than many of the top players, just two goals in 53 matches is an atrocious output for a player in his position - especially when we consider he is playing in one of the best functioning attacking teams in Europe. For context, fellow Brazilian winger Rayan arrived at Bournemouth in January and already has five goals in just 15 games, and no Premier League team scored more goals than Man City last season.

However, there have been brief signs that true quality is there - particularly during his first season. His ability to beat defenders and provide assists caught the eye, but it seems the confidence has been slowly taken out of him over his past two seasons at the Etihad. Perhaps a fresh start is just what he needs. Given Tottenham's limited options going forward, Savinho will most likely be a guaranteed starter in North London, and that responsibility may help reinstall some confidence. The Brazilian has a current market value of just €35m (down from €55m when he first joined City), but some early reports suggest that a deal to Spurs could be struck for over €50m.

©IMAGO

Tottenham’s attempts to make big changes to last season’s underperforming squad have begun in earnest, with the North London side reportedly targeting Brighton central defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Speaking to talkSPORT on Sunday, Brighton CEO Paul Barber confirmed the Premier League side have rejected two bids for their 25-year-old central defender as Roberto De Zerbi looks to reunite with the Dutchman.

"There's always going to be a lot of interest in our best players, and certainly in the case of Jan Paul. We've been very clear that that interest has been ongoing for a while, it's coming from multiple sources. Yes, we have rejected a bid from Tottenham over the last week or so, in fact, two bids," Barber said.

Rumour J. van Hecke Centre-Back

Brighton 58 % Tottenham Premier League Premier League

Brighton are apparently holding out for no less than €81 million for Van Hecke, despite the player’s contract expiring at the end of next season. Should Tottenham be forced to match Brighton’s asking price for the player, it would make Van Hecke the most expensive signing in Tottenham’s history, far surpassing the €65m the club spent on Xavi Simons last season and considerably more than their most expensive defensive signing, which is currently Cristian Romero’s €53.8m move to the club in 2022.

As the graphic above shows, a €81m fee would also make Van Hecke the fifth-most expensive central defender ever, surpassing Wesley Fofana’s €80.4m move to Chelsea in 2022. He is expected to climb into the top 20 list if his move to the north London club this summer. But why are Tottenham so intent on signing the Dutch international?

The most obvious reason behind Tottenham’s aggressive move for Van Hecke is due to the likelihood of Romero departing the club this summer. The Argentine talent may currently be the Spurs captain, but the last 12 months have shown the 28-year-old defender to be somewhat unreliable on the pitch, concerning constant suspensions and injuries, as well as off-the-field issues that frustrated fans. And constant links to Atlético Madrid suggest that Tottenham are now looking to move on their senior defender and need a ready-made replacement to slot in alongside Micky van de Ven and Luka Vuskovic.

This comes on the back of Tottenham’s wider problems in defence. Last season, the North London club conceded 57 goals in 38 games, which was the fourth-worst defensive record in the entire league. As such, Van Hecke is likely to join a host of new faces in defence next season, with Tottenham also widely expected to complete the signing of former Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson and Bournemouth central defender Marcos Senesi.

Note: When you search for something on Google, you’ll see a box with the latest news alongside the usual results. If you set Transfermarkt as your preferred source, our content will appear there more often. Add Transfermarkt as your preferred source here.

©IMAGO

Tottenham’s attempts to make big changes to last season’s underperforming squad have begun in earnest, with the North London side reportedly targeting Brighton central defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Speaking to talkSPORT on Sunday, Brighton CEO Paul Barber confirmed the Premier League side have rejected two bids for their 25-year-old central defender as Roberto De Zerbi looks to reunite with the Dutchman.

"There's always going to be a lot of interest in our best players, and certainly in the case of Jan Paul. We've been very clear that that interest has been ongoing for a while, it's coming from multiple sources. Yes, we have rejected a bid from Tottenham over the last week or so, in fact, two bids," Barber said.

Rumour J. van Hecke Centre-Back

Brighton 58 % Tottenham Premier League Premier League

Brighton are apparently holding out for no less than €81 million for Van Hecke, despite the player’s contract expiring at the end of next season. Should Tottenham be forced to match Brighton’s asking price for the player, it would make Van Hecke the most expensive signing in Tottenham’s history, far surpassing the €65m the club spent on Xavi Simons last season and considerably more than their most expensive defensive signing, which is currently Cristian Romero’s €53.8m move to the club in 2022.

As the graphic above shows, a €81m fee would also make Van Hecke the fifth-most expensive central defender ever, surpassing Wesley Fofana’s €80.4m move to Chelsea in 2022. He is expected to climb into the top 20 list if his move to the north London club this summer. But why are Tottenham so intent on signing the Dutch international?

The most obvious reason behind Tottenham’s aggressive move for Van Hecke is due to the likelihood of Romero departing the club this summer. The Argentine talent may currently be the Spurs captain, but the last 12 months have shown the 28-year-old defender to be somewhat unreliable on the pitch, concerning constant suspensions and injuries, as well as off-the-field issues that frustrated fans. And constant links to Atlético Madrid suggest that Tottenham are now looking to move on their senior defender and need a ready-made replacement to slot in alongside Micky van de Ven and Luka Vuskovic.

This comes on the back of Tottenham’s wider problems in defence. Last season, the North London club conceded 57 goals in 38 games, which was the fourth-worst defensive record in the entire league. As such, Van Hecke is likely to join a host of new faces in defence next season, with Tottenham also widely expected to complete the signing of former Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson and Bournemouth central defender Marcos Senesi.

Note: When you search for something on Google, you’ll see a box with the latest news alongside the usual results. If you set Transfermarkt as your preferred source, our content will appear there more often. Add Transfermarkt as your preferred source here.

©IMAGO

Tottenham have completed their first major signing of the summer transfer window, signing experienced full-back Andy Robertson on a free transfer from Liverpool. The Scotland international, who is a key part of Steve Clarke's 2026 World Cup squad, will joins Spurs upon the expiry of his Liverpool contract on July 1. During his time at Anfield, Robertson won two Premier League titles and the Champions League - where his team beat Tottenham in the final in 2019. Robertson has a current market value of €7 million.

In a Tottenham club statement, Sporting Director, Johan Lange, said: "We are delighted to welcome Andy to the club. First and foremost, he is an outstanding left-back - one of the best of all time in the Premier League, and someone who will improve our squad. In addition, his quality, character and leadership have been evident throughout a career in which he has regularly competed for - and won - major honours." Meanwhile, head Coach, Roberto De Zerbi, said: "Andy is someone I've admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team. He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch."

What will Andy Robertson bring to Tottenham?

Tottenham survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, finishing 17th - just two points above the drop zone. Given the vast amounts of money they have spent to assemble that squad, it was a monumental underachievement, and De Zerbi's team will be looking for huge improvement next term. One aspect Spurs seemed to really lack was leadership, and Scotland captain Robertson will bring that in abundance.

Player Comparison

Andrew Robertson

Destiny Udogie

Liverpool FC

Tottenham Hotspur

€7.00m

Market Value

€30.00m

Age

Left-Back

Position

Left-Back

Contract until

Full Player Comparison

Whether he is still the same player he once was remains to be seen - he struggled for form last season - but there can be little doubt, his winning mentality will add something to the dressing room. Robertson will likely be competing for a left-back berth with Destiny Udogie, who has a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, and Djed Spence, who is capable of playing both left-back and right-back

Note: When you search for something on Google, you’ll see a box with the latest news alongside the usual results. If you set Transfermarkt as your preferred source, our content will appear there more often. Add Transfermarkt as your preferred source here.