Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are reportedly set to fight it out for Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke.
The battle for Jan Paul van Hecke is heating up in the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur now entering the race to sign the Brighton & Hove Albion defender. Meanwhile, Newcastle United have already made an approach, signalling the start of what could become a high-profile transfer tug-of-war.
According to Voetbal International, the 25-year-old Dutchman has decided not to extend his contract with Brighton, despite the Premier League club’s determined efforts to retain him. Van Hecke, who arrived from NAC Breda in 2020 for a modest fee, has developed into a dependable presence in Brighton’s backline and earned his first cap for the Netherlands last season.
Achieving the Champions League dream
After five seasons with the Seagulls, van Hecke feels it may be time for the next chapter in his career. Brighton & Hove Albion had been eager to secure his long-term future and even offered to make him the highest-paid player in their history. However, van Hecke has his sights set on Champions League football, and with Brighton unlikely to offer that in the immediate future, he is now open to a move.
The Dutch international remains professional and has no plans to force a transfer, but he will not be renewing his deal, which runs until 2026. With top-flight interest intensifying, Brighton are understood to be open to offers in the region of €50 million.
Can Newcastle United push home their initiative?
While Newcastle United have taken early steps by enquiring about van Hecke’s availability, Tottenham are believed to be monitoring the situation closely. Spurs boss Thomas Frank is known to value Van Hecke’s mix of physicality, ball-playing ability, and tactical awareness, qualities that would fit into his defensive rebuild at the club.
Jan Paul van Hecke’s proven Premier League experience and international pedigree make him an appealing option for both clubs, particularly in a market where reliable defenders are in short supply.
The deal could also benefit NAC Breda, who inserted a 7.5% sell-on clause into the original transfer. Should van Hecke leave for the reported figure, the Dutch side could receive a significant windfall — one that would make him the most profitable sale in their history.
As the summer window progresses, interest in Van Hecke is only expected to grow. Whether he ends up at St. James’ Park, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, or elsewhere, one thing is clear: his next step will likely come with Champions League ambitions attached.