Jan Paul van Hecke Set to Join Spurs After Brighton Agree to Massive Deal

The Dutch publication Voetbal International reported on Tuesday that Brighton and Spurs had reached an agreement for a fee of €60 million. Van Hecke, who will reunite with former manager Roberto De Zerbi, had already agreed personal terms with the North London club several weeks ago.

A move for Van Hecke seemed inevitable after the Dutchman declined to extend his Brighton contract, which runs until 2027. The centre-back had wanted a transfer last summer but was denied by the East Sussex side.

The transfer makes Van Hecke the fifth most expensive arrival in Spurs' history, behind only Xavi Simons, Dominic Solanke, Mohammed Kudus and Tanguy Ndombele. At the same time, Van Hecke will become the sixth most expensive Dutch player of all time, and Brighton's fourth player to be sold for at least €60 million.

Jan Paul van Hecke, 25, joined Brighton for €2 million in 2020 from Dutch side NAC Breda. After spending seasons on loan at sc Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers, Van Hecke was introduced into the Brighton team under Graham Potter and De Zerbi. In his four full seasons with the Seagulls, Van Hecke has played 131 games across all competitions.

As a Brighton standout, Van Hecke made his senior Netherlands debut in 2024 and has since earned 14 caps. Van Hecke, whose uncle Jan Poortvliet started in the 1978 World Cup final for the Netherlands, is a starter at the 2026 World Cup, which for him began with a 2-2 draw against Japan on 14 June.