‘Jan Paul van Hecke to earn massive bonuses’ at Tottenham amid defensive signing update
Tottenham could land the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton with the promise of an increased contract.
Van Hecke, 25, has emerged as a target for Spurs as his contract at the Amex ticks down towards its final year.
The Netherlands international has been a key asset for the Seagulls in recent years, but could switch the south coast for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.
The Lilywhites are seemingly interested in adding a new centre-back to their ranks this summer, with Tottenham previously showing interest in Illia Zabarnyi before his move to PSG.
This could see Thomas Frank and Co. go all in to land van Hecke from Brighton, something which could see the defender land a sizable pay rise.
This story includes exclusive comment from former Premier League midfielder Martin Allen.
Tottenham have ‘huge amount of money’ to spend on wages
It is fair to say that the N17 club have excellent quality in the centre-back roles right now, but depth will certainly be required for a busy season.
Luka Vuskovic could be loaned out by Spurs this summer, but is arguably in their second-string side right now, with just over a week remaining in the transfer window.
Current centre-back depth at Tottenham:
- Cristian Romero
- Micky van de Ven
- Kevin Danso
- Radu Dragusin (injured)
- Luka Vuskovic
If an injury were to strike down Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven, Frank would certainly be left in a hole, in a similar fashion to Ange Postecoglou last season.
As a result, making a swoop at Brighton to land the Dutchman makes sense, especially with van Hecke likely to pass a medical at Tottenham.
The 25-year-old doesn’t want to sign a new contract, something Allen believes could allow Spurs to swoop in and table a sizable offer, which would see him move to North London.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Allen said: “Oh god, yeah, they could convince him to join.
“Tottenham have got a huge amount of money from qualifying for the Champions League. That has totally changed their potential shopping list.
“Van Hecke is a good player, and he will want to step up to that level.
“It won’t just be about money for him, it’s also the chance to play in the Champions League, that is what every player wants. There will be other clubs in for him for sure.
“He’d be underneath the wages of Romero and van de Ven, but if he plays regularly, they will go much higher.
“If he’s starting for the team, his bonus for playing and starting every game will be massive.
“He’s got a bit to do to do that, but Tottenham will want someone like him to call on without worrying about weak links in the squad.“
Jan Paul van Hecke would represent coup for Thomas Frank
After already coming under heavy criticism this summer, Daniel Levy can’t afford for any other targets to fall through the net.
As a result, making van Hecke an offer he can’t refuse could prove to be wise before the 1 September deadline, especially after he snubbed an extension at Brighton.
With that being said, the former NAC Breda man could prove to be an excellent addition to the Lilywhites’ squad, moving into a busy campaign.
Van Hecke has excellent quality on the ball and defensively, something which would certainly suit the tactical approach of Frank moving forward.
| Stat per 90 (2024/25) | Jan Paul van Hecke |
| Successful passes | 60.95 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 88.50 |
| Chances created | 0.46 |
| Tackles won | 0.88 |
| Duels won | 4.74 |
His addition could come at a good time for Spurs, as Romero constantly gets linked with a move away, and at some stage, an exit could be activated, with the Dutchman likely to represent a key asset if that happens.
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