Tottenham Submit Opening Bid for £70m Brighton Defender Jan Paul van Hecke as De Zerbi Targets Former Pupil

Tottenham Hotspur have submitted an opening bid for Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, with Roberto De Zerbi pushing to reunite with a player he helped develop on the south coast. The initial offer falls below Brighton‘s £70m asking price, but negotiations between the two clubs remain active as Spurs press ahead with their summer defensive rebuild.

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Spurs Step Up Pursuit of Brighton Defender

Tottenham have made their first formal move for Van Hecke, submitting a proposal to Brighton for the 25-year-old defender. According to the Telegraph, the offer sits beneath Brighton‘s £70m valuation, though talks between the clubs continue. The approach is being driven by De Zerbi, who worked closely with Van Hecke during his tenure at Brighton between 2022 and 2024. The Italian is targeting a defender already versed in his system as he builds his squad in north London.

Van Hecke‘s future has become a growing subject of speculation despite his contract running until June 2027. The Dutch defender has yet to commit to a new deal, a detail that gives interested clubs cause for optimism ahead of the summer window.

Brighton Outlined Contract Talk Plans in April

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler indicated in April that he expected to open discussions with Van Hecke regarding his future at the club. Those talks have not produced a new agreement, leaving genuine uncertainty around the player’s long-term intentions. Brighton must now decide whether to press forward with negotiations or entertain offers for one of their most marketable assets.

Van Hecke is regarded alongside Bart Verbruggen and Carlos Baleba as one of Brighton‘s most valuable properties. Given the club’s well-documented track record of generating substantial transfer fees, Spurs will need to meet Brighton‘s demands if the deal is to go through.

World Cup Call-Up Sharpens Van Hecke’s Transfer Profile

Tottenham‘s approach coincides with Van Hecke preparing for the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands. He played 87 minutes in a recent friendly against Algeria and remains part of Ronald Koeman‘s defensive setup heading into the tournament.

Since joining from NAC Breda in 2020, Van Hecke has built himself into a dependable Premier League centre-back. Loan spells at Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers shaped his development before he secured a regular starting place at Brighton. Last season he started 36 Premier League matches under Hurzeler, a figure that reflects both his durability and standing within the squad.

Spurs Face Pressure to Raise Their Offer

Tottenham‘s pursuit of Van Hecke sits within a wider effort to reinforce their defensive line. The club are also working on a separate deal for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi as De Zerbi seeks greater depth and quality at the back.

With Brighton carrying no urgent need to sell, Spurs are likely to need to return with a higher bid. Tottenham will also be motivated to wrap up negotiations before the World Cup kicks off, where a strong tournament performance could push Van Hecke‘s price well beyond £70m. Follow TipsGG for continued coverage of this transfer and all the major moves of the summer window.