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Tottenham Hotspur have been one of the most active clubs in the Premier League this summer, wasting little time in making a statement under Roberto De Zerbi.
The north London side have already secured a couple of eye-catching free transfers, with Andy Robertson agreeing to join Spurs and being officially announced last week.
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It was not a great sign for Liverpool fans. Argentine centre-back Marcos Senesi has also been confirmed as a “done deal” by Fabrizio Romano, arriving on a free from Bournemouth. It’s been a busy window at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and it doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon.
The next name firmly in Spurs’ crosshairs is Liverpool-linked Jan Paul van Hecke – and it now appears the Dutch defender has made his decision.
According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Van Hecke has set his heart on a move to Tottenham, with a personal agreement considered little more than a formality.
The 25-year-old was reportedly enthused by talks with De Zerbi, whom he worked under during their time together at Brighton.
It hasn’t been a smooth deal for Spurs, however. Tottenham had an initial bid rejected, with Brighton holding firm at a valuation of around £70 million for the centre-back.
Voetbal International adds that Spurs had in fact submitted two bids – reportedly worth at least €50 million each – before reaching the current stage of negotiations.
Brighton, who signed Van Hecke from NAC Breda for just €2 million back in 2020, are determined to command a premium fee.
The Reds had been firmly in the picture, with Voetbal International previously reporting in May that Liverpool had made contact with both the club and the player directly.
Despite that early work, Tottenham’s persistence and the Van Hecke-De Zerbi relationship has proved the difference.
The 25-year-old, who has made 126 appearances for Brighton and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs , is now expected to complete a move to Spurs and will do so without distraction as he heads into the World Cup.