Jan Paul van Hecke’s famous footballing uncle has revealed why his nephew chose Tottenham over other suitors and has made a prediction about what we can expect from the Lilywhites next season.
Various sources have confirmed that Spurs have agreed a £52m deal for Van Hecke, who is expected to be the North London club’s third signing of the summer window following the arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.
Brighton have also reportedly retained a 20 per cent sell-on clause on Van Hecke, with the Seagulls thought to be extremely pleased with the deal, given that the centre-back only had one year left on his contract.
The 26-year-old impressed in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw against Japan last weekend in his first appearance at the World Cup, and the details of his move to N17 have now come to light.
Roberto De Zerbi was behind Jan Paul van Hecke rejecting other clubs in favour of Tottenham
Van Hecke’s uncle, Jan Poortvliet, who represented the Netherlands in the 1976 World Cup, has now shared that his nephew had no shortage of suitors this summer.
Poortvliet, who is currently the manager of Dutch second-tier side FC Eindhoven, confessed that De Zerbi’s presence at Spurs is why the North London club was the defender’s first choice.
When asked about the former NAC Breda man’s move to Tottenham, Poortvliet told Sportnieuws: “Fantastic, truly wonderful. This is going to give him an extra boost during the World Cup. This is such a great motivation. He doesn’t have to worry about it anymore either.
“Full focus on the World Cup and then off to London. That is also more fun than Brighton. This is a city you love to visit. I think De Zerbi played the biggest role in the decision. Several clubs were interested, but De Zerbi was clear and absolutely wanted him. Jan Paul would have been at the top of the list.”
Jan Poortvliet expects Spurs to be a force under De Zerbi next season
Some eyebrows were raised at the defender’s decision to leave a Europa Conference League club to join a team which has finished 17th the last two seasons.
However, Poortvliet believes that his nephew took the right step, backing Tottenham to compete at the top end of the table next season.
The 70-year-old added: “He knows De Zerbi’s playing style well and had a fantastic season under him. I think this is the best step. You shouldn’t see them as the club from last year anymore.
“They have a large following, they have a big budget, and if the manager can bring in the right people, they can compete at the top again next year.”