Tottenham Hotspur are expected to improve their defence this summer, and Jan Paul van Hecke could be a solid option for the Lilywhites.
The Brighton defender already has good Premier League experience and his time under Roberto De Zerbi has also shaped his style, and Van Hecke’s experience under the Italian at Brighton could make him a perfect fit.
Tottenham Hotspur will begin a major rebuild of their squad this summer and the defensive area is likely to be one of the main focus points as they look to improve stability at the back. Van Hecke is another option that is been considered lately, as the Brighton defender has just 13 months left on his current contract at Brighton and Hove Albion.
And despite the Seagulls’ attempts to convince him to sign a new deal, the 26-year-old looks likely to move this summer, which has put several top clubs on alert, with Spurs among those keeping a close eye on him.
With interest building ahead of the transfer window, a move now looks realistic as clubs begin planning their summer business, meaning Van Hecke is expected to have several options if he does leave Brighton, with his profile fitting the needs of teams looking to strengthen at the back and add more stability in defence.
That consistency is also backed up by his experience at the highest level, as he has now reached a total of 100 Premier League appearances for Brighton, a milestone that feels both remarkable and inevitable, and it underlines his value as a defender who is comfortable both in possession and in defensive duels.
Jan Paul van Hecke’s form is attracting Tottenham interest
Van Hecke has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Brighton this season, scoring three goals, providing three assists, and helping his side keep eight clean sheets, as he continues to play an important role in their strong fight to qualify for the Uefa Europa League next season.
Brighton currently sit 8th position in the Premier League, just two points off sixth placed Bournment, with Van Hecke consistently featuring as a key part of their defensive setup throughout the season. His impact is also clear in his numbers, which show how important he is defensively:
- Goals – 3
- Assists – 3
- Chances created – 12
- Expected goals – 2.35
- Shots – 22
- Headed shots – 9
- Successful dribbles – 3
- Duels won – 194
- Defensive contributions – 292
These numbers highlight his consistency in progressing play from the back and dealing with danger, which is why Tottenham are closely monitoring his situation ahead of a possible summer move.
Why Van Hecke could suit Tottenham defensively
Van Hecke has become one of the more reliable defenders in the Premier League over the last few seasons, often helping Brighton build attacks from the back. And that is one of the reasons Tottenham are interested in him, as Spurs are expected to look for defenders who can stay calm in possession and help move the ball forward under pressure.
The Seagulls’ system asks the centre-backs and goalkeeper to stay involved in build-up play, and Van Hecke plays an important role in making that work. He can play short passes into midfield or find attacking areas with direct passes, while also disguising his passes well to make it harder for opponents to read his next move.
Alongside his work in possession, Van Hecke is also aggressive defensively and likes to step forward early to stop attackers from turning. While he is not the fastest defender in wide areas, he reads the game well, positions himself smartly, and covers space effectively, while also helping his full-backs and making important recovery tackles when needed. He is also strong in the air at 6’2”, which makes him reliable when dealing with crosses and set pieces, and could give Tottenham more stability at the back if signed.
Van Hecke and Tottenham’s transfer interest under De Zerbi
Van Hecke’s profile fits the type of centre-back who is strong defensively and also comfortable building play from the back, which is why he is attracting interest from clubs looking for defenders who can contribute in possession and improve build-up play.
Because of this, Tottenham view him as a strong option as they look to strengthen their defence and add more control at the back, and his experience under Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton, where he played 50 times, also adds to his appeal as he has already shown he can adapt to a similar tactical approach.
In addition to that, Tottenham are expected to make changes to their squad ahead of the next transfer window, and Van Hecke has emerged as a notable option following a strong season at Brighton, where he has helped them push for European qualification and also caught attention with his assist in the 2-2 draw against Spurs in gameweek 33 after a mistake from Kevin Danso.
As interest in him continues to grow, his previous work with De Zerbi could still be important for Tottenham, as already knowing the manager and his style of play could make a move smoother if Spurs decide to go for him.
- READ MORE – Roberto De Zerbi thinks he has spotted a future Tottenham captain amid ‘individual meetings’