Liverpool are eyeing a potential move for Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, according to a fresh claim from former scout Mick Brown.
A new defender is a must for the Reds next summer, and even in the January transfer window, with Marc Guehi still arguably their leading option at the end of the season.
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Manchester United scout Brown claimed that Van Hecke has emerged as a possible target for Liverpool in 2026:
“I’m not convinced he will want to stay at Brighton. He’s got the bright lights of the Champions League in his mind now, and it’s hard to turn that down especially when Brighton are struggling a bit.
“They’ve lost some key players and dropped of a bit from where they were when he signed. 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’s been on their radar for a while. If Brighton keep struggling like they have been recently, then that opportunity might come up, and it’s certainly one I think will appeal to him.
“Say Liverpool come in for him, I think he’d want to join them rather than staying at Brighton. Whether it happens in January, I’m not sure, because Brighton don’t want to lose him and especially not mid-way through the season, but he’ll be one to watch.”
Van Hecke a proven Premier League option for Liverpool
There is plenty to admire about Van Hecke, who has been a key man for Brighton for a sustained period now, joining from NAC Breda in 2020 and making 86 appearances in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old has quality on the ball, which Arne Slot would surely admire at Liverpool., and he completed 95.5% of his passes for the Netherlands across four 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Van Hecke is at the right point in his career to be an instant hit for the Reds, and while Guehi may still be the ideal choice, bringing in both could be a fantastic outcome, as they look for much-needed depth at the back.
Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has hailed his “incredible personality” in the past and it will be an interesting situation to keep an eye on.