Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £52m deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
The 26-year-old started for the Netherlands in their 2-2 draw with Japan at the World Cup on Sunday, further underlining his rising profile on the international stage.
Van Hecke has just one year remaining on his Brighton contract and had shown no intention of signing an extension. The Seagulls had already rejected an earlier bid for the defender, who joined the club from NAC Breda in 2020.
However, Brighton have now accepted Tottenham’s improved offer, paving the way for Van Hecke to reunite with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi in north London.
The deal also includes a significant sell-on clause, ensuring Brighton will benefit further if Spurs eventually move the player on.
Van Hecke made 131 appearances for Brighton and was a key figure last season, starting 36 of 38 Premier League matches as Fabian Hurzeler’s side secured an eighth-place finish and European qualification for only the second time in their history.
Tottenham, who have already begun reshaping their squad under De Zerbi after back-to-back 17th-place finishes, continue their rebuild with ambition.
The club have already brought in Scotland international Andy Robertson from Liverpool, while Argentinian defender Marcos Senesi has also agreed a move from Bournemouth as Spurs look to strengthen significantly ahead of the new campaign.
