The star in question has been a consistent performer for Brighton in the last two seasons.
Tottenham Hotspur had a decent start to the 2025/26 season under new boss Thomas Frank. The Danish boss quickly managed to address the defensive vulnerabilities that plagued Spurs last season under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership.
In the opening months of the campaign, the north Londoners looked solid defensively, limiting opposition chances and showing resilience against difficult opponents. However, as the season has progressed, they have looked defensively fragile and conceded a lot of goals. Individual and collective errors, including goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, have contributed to Tottenham’s poor results.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have performed well as a pair, bar lapses and indiscipline from the former, who was sent off against Liverpool for a petulant kick on Ibrahima Konate last month. Kevin Danso has deputised well in Romero’s absence, but if Spurs are to go to the next level, they need a central defender who can challenge Romero for a spot in the first XI. And the north Londoners seemingly have a player on their radar.
Jan Paul van Hecke has been fantastic for Brighton over the last two campaigns
Jan Paul van Hecke has been fantastic for Brighton over the last two campaigns
Ex-scout says Tottenham and Liverpool have been closely monitoring Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke
Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke was among several summer targets for Tottenham. Brighton’s Player of the Season, rated extremely highly in the Premier League, Jan Paul van Hecke has caught the attention of several big clubs with his distribution, reading of the game, defensive ability and set-piece prowess. He was a coveted commodity in the summer, but no club tabled a concrete offer, resulting in the defender staying at the club.
The Netherlands international has been quietly having another strong season at the Amex Stadium. He has been a mainstay at the heart of their defence, starting all but two of Brighton’s 19 Premier League games. Van Hecke has also displayed his goalscoring prowess with three goals.
Now, according to former chief Spurs scout Mick Brown, Tottenham and Liverpool have been watching the Brighton defender. He insists the 25-year-old’s vast improvements in the last couple of years with the Seagulls has seen him fall on the radar of top Premier League clubs.
“Liverpool and Tottenham have both been watching Van Hecke,” Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider.
“I used to think he was a solid defender but not much more than that, but to be fair to him, over the last season or two he has really improved his game. He’s showing every week for Brighton that he is better than just an ordinary defender, and that’s what’s highlighted his talent to these other clubs.”
Jan Paul van Hecke was on Tottenham's radar in the summer
Jan Paul van Hecke was on Tottenham’s radar in the summer
Brighton has lost steam in recent weeks, dropping to the bottom half of the table as a result. Mick Brown feels this could lead to several key players being tempted to move on in the winter transfer window as top clubs continue to circle.
“Those are two very attractive options for him and something I’m sure he will take notice of if they are going to make a move for him,” he adds.
“Liverpool have been keeping an eye on him because of their situation, and if he becomes available for whatever reason, they may well make a move. Tottenham also want reinforcements and he’s somebody who has been on their radar for a while.
“If Brighton keep struggling like they have been recently, then that opportunity might come up.”
Tottenham to battle Liverpool for Van Hecke’s signature?
Liverpool are in a dire need for defensive reinforcements, having missed out on Marc Guehi on summer transfer window’s deadline day. They have also lost young Giovanni Leoni to a season-ending ACL injury and Joe Gomez to a hamstring injury, forcing manager Arne Slot to use Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate regularly. This has led to the Reds showing an interest in Van Hecke.
For Tottenham, adding a player of Van Hecke’s talent and potential would be great, especially if Radu Dragusin is allowed to leave on loan in January. Van Hecke’s profile fits Spurs’ style of play under Frank and would represent a clear upgrade on Dragusin.
As Liverpool are expected to knock on Brighton’s door for the player, Spurs must start working on a potential deal for Van Hecke if Frank has concrete interest in him.