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Tottenham battle Chelsea and Liverpool for Brighton defender
TL;DR
Tottenham is competing with Chelsea and Liverpool to sign Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who may replace Cristian Romero. Van Hecke has impressed since joining Brighton and has 10 caps for the Netherlands.
Key points
- Tottenham is interested in Jan Paul van Hecke.
- Chelsea and Liverpool are also pursuing the defender.
- Van Hecke may replace Cristian Romero at Tottenham.
- He has 10 caps for the Netherlands since 2024.
- Van Hecke joined Brighton from NAC Breda.
Tottenham HotspurChelseaLiverpoolBrighton
Tottenham battle Chelsea and Liverpool for Brighton defender
Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their interest in signing Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.
The Dutch defender is being eyed as a potential replacement for Cristian Romero, who is keen to leave North London this summer.
Van Hecke has won admirers since his arrival at Brighton from NAC Breda, earning 10 caps for the Netherlands since his senior debut in 2024.
Spurs are keen to partner Van Hecke with international teammate Micky van de Ven, provided the North Londoners avoid Premier League relegation.
According to TEAMtalk, Spurs have stepped up their pursuit in a bid to beat Chelsea and Liverpool to the 25-year-old’s signature. Both teams have tracked the progress of Van Hecke and are in the market for centre-back reinforcements.
Van Hecke has excelled in Brighton’s possession-dominant approach, ranking in the top two percent of centre-backs in Europe for progressive carries and progressive passes completed. He will enter the final 12 months of his deal this summer, which could force Brighton into a sale.
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Q&A
Why are Tottenham, Chelsea, and Liverpool interested in Jan Paul van Hecke?
All three clubs see Jan Paul van Hecke as a valuable addition to strengthen their defense, particularly with Tottenham looking for a replacement for Cristian Romero.
What is Jan Paul van Hecke's international experience?
Jan Paul van Hecke has earned 10 caps for the Netherlands since making his senior debut in 2024.
What prompted Tottenham's interest in signing a new defender?
Tottenham's interest in signing a new defender was prompted by Cristian Romero's desire to leave the club this summer.