Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing a significant January move for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke, with a potential fee of £40 million being discussed.
Defensive Goalscoring Sparks Spurs Interest
The links have emerged following the Dutch centre-back's impressive midweek performance, where he scored a brace in Brighton's 4-3 defeat to Aston Villa. This display seems to have caught the eye of the North London club's hierarchy, who have witnessed their own defenders contribute crucial goals this season.
Under manager Thomas Frank, Spurs have relied on goals from the back line, with Cristian Romero netting twice in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United and Micky van de Ven scoring six times across all competitions. The need for additional firepower is clear, but reinforcing the defence with a player who offers an aerial threat appears to be a parallel strategy.
Brighton's Stance and Contract Situation
Securing Van Hecke will not be straightforward. The 25-year-old has played every minute of Brighton's Premier League campaign so far, establishing himself as a vital component of Fabian Hurzeler's side. The Seagulls are understandably keen to retain him and are actively working on a contract extension.
His current deal expires in 2027, but the club hopes to tie him down to a longer-term agreement. Failure to do so could force Brighton to consider a sale in 2026 to avoid losing him for a reduced fee later. The south coast club signed Van Hecke for just £3 million from NAC Breda in 2020, another example of their shrewd recruitment.
Van Hecke's Rising Profile at Brighton
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has been effusive in his praise for the defender, highlighting his development and importance to the squad. "Hopefully he has a long and bright future here in Brighton," Hurzeler stated. "When you see his past... you see a really consistent development. That's because of his attitude."
The coach also emphasised Van Hecke's leadership qualities, noting he is in the team's leadership group. "He's a Dutch guy, so he's very straight with you and honest with his opinion. I think that's always powerful in the team," Hurzeler added, underscoring the player's value beyond his on-pitch contributions.
While Tottenham's primary January focus remains on adding creativity and a talismanic forward, the pursuit of Van Hecke suggests a multi-faceted approach to the transfer window. The reported interest is not new, with Spurs having explored a move for the player during the summer, and he remains a firm 'player of interest' for the club as they look to build a squad capable of sustaining a top-four challenge.
