Tottenham prepare £40m swoop for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a potential £40 million bid for Brighton’s defensive “pass master” Jan Paul van Hecke, viewing the 25-year-old Dutchman as a crucial signing to improve their ball progression from the back.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing a significant £40 million bid for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Spurs manager Thomas Frank is keen to bolster his rearguard, viewing the 25-year-old Dutch international as a crucial target.

The move could materialize in 2026 as Van Hecke enters the final 18 months of his contract, potentially leading to an early sale.

Van Hecke, nicknamed the “pass master,” has been identified by Spurs chiefs for his exceptional ability to launch attacks from the back.

His progressive passing and carrying statistics are among the best for centre-backs in Europe, highlighting how he “could help solve Spurs’ well-documented build-up issues from the back.”