Jan Paul van Hecke has stated he “would like to have clarity” over his future amid two bids from Tottenham and reported ‘contact’ by Liverpool.
Despite Brighton having already rejected two bids, Tottenham are still in the driving seat to sign Van Hecke, who is valued at £70 million by his club.
The Dutch centre-half is set to line up alongside Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the Netherlands’ defence at the World Cup.
Speaking to reporters, Van Hecke, whose contract expires next year, has insisted he is focused on his international football but “would like to have clarity over his future.”
BRIGHTON & HOVE, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 21, 2026: Brighton & Hove Albion's Jan Paul van Hecke during the FA Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at the AMEX Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The 26-year-old said: “First of all, I just want to focus on the Dutch national team on Sunday. That is a very important match for us, for me, so that’s my focus until now.
“Of course, things are also happening and I know that myself too, but that’s not for now, that’s more after the World Cup.
“I will then see where I play.
“I have also said very clearly that I would like to have clarity for myself before the World Cup.
“And I have that too, but then for now, for myself, it’s just clear, I just want to play the World Cup as well as possible.
“That clarity will probably come after the World Cup when I make that step, then it’s clear to everyone.”
Liverpool’s link to Jan Paul van Hecke
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 24, 2025: Brighton & Hove Albion's Jan Paul van Hecke during the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Bramley-Moore Dock. Everton won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
These comments come after Brighton responded to Tottenham‘s attempted raid by placing a bid of their own: £30m for Spurs’ teenage centre-back, Luka Vuskovic.
The 19-year-old is “keen on a move to Brighton,” but it is unlikely Spurs will sanction a £30m transfer as his valuation is “expected to be in excess of £60m,” reported Sky Sports.
“Once an agreement is made on Vuskovic’s valuation, a deal is expected to progress quickly for Van Hecke to join Spurs.”
This all comes after Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof wrote for Voetbal International in early May: “Liverpool have joined the race for Jan Paul van Hecke.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 2, 2024: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (R) with Brighton & Hove Albion's Jan Paul van Hecke during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Arne Slot sees the Netherlands international defender as an interesting addition for the upcoming season. Liverpool recently made contact with the Oranje international.”
However, it appears Van Hecke was an Arne Slot-driven transfer target, with the Dutch coach having previously tried to recruit him at Feyenoord.
Since Slot’s departure from Liverpool, the rumours have gone quiet and Tottenham have come to the fore as the defender’s most-likely destination.
His World Cup campaign gets underway at 9pm (BST) on June 14, as the Netherlands face Japan in Dallas.
Netherlands Group F fixtures
vs. Japan
Dallas | June 14, 9pm (BST) | ITV 1
vs. Sweden
Houston | June 20, 6pm | ITV 1
vs. Tunisia
Kansas City | June 26, 12am | BBC 1