Liverpool told 109-game Brighton star would 'want' Anfield move if Reds made offer for ace hailed by managerplaceholder image
Liverpool told 109-game Brighton star would 'want' Anfield move if Reds made offer for ace hailed by manager | Getty Images
One former scout believes that Liverpool could tempt one of Brighton's key players to Anfield if they made a move for him
Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke would be open to a move to Liverpool, it has been claimed.
The centre-back has been with the Seagulls since 2020 and has made 109 appearances for the south coast club. He has four goals and four assists to his name from central defence, with three of those goals coming this season.
He played 34 times in the Premier League last term and has established himself as a key member of the Brighton squad under Fabian Hurzeler.
Liverpool are in need of new players at centre-back with Ibrahima Konate out of contract this summer and Virgil van Dijk’s deal running out at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
Former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Van Hecke wants to play in the Champions League.
Brown said: “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.”
Central defence is an issue for Liverpool in the short term, as well as the long term. Joe Gomez is also out of contract in 18 months.
Arne Slot has injuries at centre-back with Giovanni Leoni out for the season while Gomez is expected back in training before Liverpool take on Fulham. It has left Konate and Van Dijk as the only two options for the Reds manager, despite a number of worrying performances from Konate this campaign.
They remain linked with Marc Guehi and Brentford captain Nathan Collins but Van Hecke is now another potential option who is already proven in the Premier League.
“He’s a great character, great role model and stepping more into that leadership role,” said his manager, Hurzeler, back in early October.
“Overall I am very pleased how he plays, how he performs. If you keep pushing hard and staying together I think we will get the consistency and results.”
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