A key detail in Brighton’s sell-on clause on Tottenham’s newest signing, Jan Paul van Hecke, has now come to light.
On Thursday evening, Tottenham officially confirmed Van Hecke as their third signing of the summer, following Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.
Like the Scot and the Argentine, the Dutchman is currently at the World Cup, and Van Hecke underwent his medical in Kansas City ahead of the Netherlands’ second group stage clash against Lucas Bergvall’s Sweden on Saturday.
The Netherlands international has described his move to Spurs as a ‘dream come true’ and he will link up again with a manager he knows well in Roberto De Zerbi.
Alasdair Gold shares key detail in sell-on clause for Tottenham’s Jan Paul van Hecke
It has been reported over the last few days that, apart from getting a £52m fee for a player with just one year left on his contract, Brighton also secured a 20 per cent sell-on clause on Van Hecke.
However, Alasdair Gold has now explained that the Seagulls’ sell-on clause is only for any potential profit that Tottenham make in any future sale of the 26-year-old.
Gold stated on X: “Understand Jan Paul van Hecke will cost Spurs a £52m fee with no add-ons. There is also a 20% sell-on clause, but that’s purely on any profit made if Tottenham were to later sell the Dutchman for more than £52m.”
In other words, if Tottenham were to sell Van Hecke on for £50m, they would be entitled to that full fee.
However, if they were to sell him for £60m, the South Coast club would receive 20 per cent on the £8m profit, which would amount to around £1.6m.
Why Spurs were right to overpay for Van Hecke
It is clear from the Tottenham boss’ reaction to the signing that he was the one driving the club’s interest in the Dutchman.
De Zerbi labelled Van Hecke an ‘outstanding defender’, while also praising the centre-back’s character and professionalism.
£52m is a steep fee for a player who had just a year left on his contract, but given how keen De Zerbi seemingly was to have him, it is a positive sign that the club were willing to go above and beyond to make the deal happen.