Tottenham Hotspur have completed the £52m signing of Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.
The 26-year-old, who had just one year remaining on his contract with the Seagulls, has signed what Spurs have described as a “long-term” deal. The agreement also includes a significant sell-on clause in favour of Brighton should the defender be sold in the future.
“It’s a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it’s a dream come true,” Van Hecke said.
The centre-back will reunite with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, under whom he previously played at Brighton following his move to the Amex Stadium from NAC Breda in 2020.
He also links up with international team-mate Micky van de Ven, alongside whom he featured in the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Japan, as well as fellow Dutchman Xavi Simons, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury.
“I already have a really strong connection with the head coach, and I’m looking forward to working with him again,” Van Hecke added. “Micky has also told me great things about the club, so I can’t wait to get started.”
Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange said the club had been tracking Van Hecke “for a number of years”.
The defender made 131 appearances for Brighton, starting 36 of 38 Premier League matches last season as Fabian Hürzeler’s side finished eighth and secured European qualification for only the second time in their history.
“Jan Paul is someone I know very well from our time together at Brighton, and I’m delighted to be working with him again,” De Zerbi said. “He is a strong, intelligent centre-back who is brave in possession and plays with personality. Those are important qualities for the way I want our team to set up.”
