Tottenham to attempt second bid for Van Hecke in 2026

Brighton rejected Tottenham's first £70m offer for defender Jan Paul van Hecke and expect a second proposal soon.

Van Hecke remains key to Brighton No outfield player accumulated more Premier League playing time for Brighton last season than Jan Paul van Hecke, who logged 3,211 minutes on the pitch. The Dutch defender remains under contract for one more year and continues to feature prominently in Brighton's defensive plans. His consistent performances have made him a central figure in their setup despite coming through less expensive routes compared with some peers. ## Spurs pursue reunion with defender Tottenham are preparing to submit a fresh bid for Jan Paul van Hecke after their initial £70 million proposal was turned down by Brighton. The club's new head coach, Roberto de Zerbi, has expressed strong interest in bringing the 25-year-old back to the team he previously managed at Brighton. Their connection during de Zerbi's time in charge suggests a clear preference to reunite the player with the coach who developed his career. ## Brighton's defensive asset arrives from Eredivisie Jan Paul van Hecke joined Brighton from NAC Breda of the Eredivisie in 2020 following a transfer that involved a modest initial fee. Before becoming a regular starter for Brighton, he spent time on loan at Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers, gaining valuable experience in various competitive environments. His journey from a lower-profile signing to a reliable centre-back has been one of Brighton's more successful defensive acquisitions in recent years. ## Brighton rack up appearances for club Since arriving at Brighton, Jan Paul van Hecke has made 131 appearances for the club across all competitions. During the most recent Premier League campaign, he started 36 of Brighton's matches, demonstrating his importance to the team's defensive structure. His contributions have been particularly notable in a league that demands high levels of consistency and resilience from defenders. ## New transfer chief takes charge at Brighton Paul Barber has been entrusted with overseeing outgoing transfers at Brighton following the recent departure of sporting director Jason Ayto. The move comes after Ayto's unexpected exit, which was officially confirmed this week. Barber's appointment reflects Brighton's emphasis on structured planning and disciplined decision-making in player transactions. ## Brighton hold firm on valuation strategy Brighton have established a reputation for securing substantial fees when selling players, collecting over £50 million for Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Joao Pedro in recent deals. Their forward-thinking approach combines long-term planning with a tough negotiating stance that often pushes valuations higher. This strategy has become a key pillar of the club's financial and sporting model under ownership led by Tony Bloom. ## Potential exit triggers contingency thinking Given Jan Paul van Hecke's contract situation, Paul Barber and Brighton owner Tony Bloom are likely factoring in possible outcomes if a transfer agreement is reached. The club's history shows they are prepared for both the financial gains and squad implications that follow high-profile departures. Their readiness suggests confidence in navigating transitions while maintaining competitive balance.