Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke has been linked with a move away from the club when the transfer window reopens in 2026.
According to TeamTalk, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Tottenham are interested in the 25-year-old defender. The Netherlands international has done quite well in the Premier League, and there is no doubt that he’s good enough to play for the bigger clubs.
It will be interesting to see if any of the three clubs decide to come forward with a concrete proposal to sign him. It is no secret that they need more quality and depth in the defensive unit.
Liverpool tried to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on deadline day, but they failed to get a deal across the line. They need another central defender, especially with the future of Ibrahima Konaté up in the air. The French international is a free agent at the end of the season, and he has not signed an extension with the Premier League champions yet. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool decide to move for the Brighton star in the summer.
He has played alongside Virgil van Dijk at the international level, and it will be interesting to see if he is keen on a reunion with his compatriot at club level as well. It would be a major step up in his career, and it is fair to assume that the player could be attracted.
Newcastle and Spurs keen on Jan Paul van Hecke
On the other hand, Newcastle have looked vulnerable defensively, and they need to improve in that area of the pitch if they want to do well. They will be hoping to compete in the Champions League regularly and fight for trophies. They need to tighten up at the back, and signing the 25-year-old would be ideal. He is well settled in the Premier League, and he could make an instant impact.
Finally, Tottenham would be an interesting option for the player as well. They have an ambitious project and they have brought in a quality manager. They have invested in talented players, and they will look to build on the Europa League-winning campaign from last season. They need more defensive depth, and the Netherlands international could be ideal.