Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Tue 21 April 2026 18:40, UK

Jan Paul van Hecke has been tipped for a mega-money move after his showing against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Roberto De Zerbi‘s side looked to be heading for a crucial victory, before the defender helped the ball to Georginio Rutter for the late leveller.

It was a heartbreaking blow for the Lilywhites, who are trying desperately to escape a humiliating relegation.

Van Hecke was one of the standout players in the contest, on both sides of the ball, and is someone that the N17 outfit could have their eye on.

Tottenham are in the market for a centre-back when the summer transfer market reopens, and the Dutchman would fit the bill.

Why Van Hecke has been tipped for £60m move after Tottenham draw

John Wenham believes that Tottenham will not be in the race for Van Hecke, despite his excellent performance, but he can see a £60million move on the cards.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “Van Hecke, the first time I have watched him up close for Brighton, my God, what a good player he is.

“I could see him talking about maybe Liverpool, getting a Van Dijk replacement at some
point, Van Hecke is extremely good, and until you watch him up close and personal in
the match, you don’t realise that he’s so authoritative.

“He lets you know he’s there with the power and velocity of his challenges, and obviously he pushed up towards the end to win the ball and set up Georginio Rutter for the equaliser.

“I noticed Fabrizio Romano tweeted that he’s recently switched agencies as well, which is normally, an indication that a player is sort of lining up either a new contract or a summer
move away.

“For Brighton, it would be a huge loss, but someone in the Premier League is going to pick up an outstanding centre back there, I don’t think it will be Tottenham because we’ve heard they are advancing in talks for Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth on a free transfer.

“Van Hecke is very, very good, and for me looked, all the part of a 60 million pound centre back, maybe more.”

How Van Hecke compares to Marcos Senesi?

Van Hecke compares favourably to reported Spurs target Senesi.

The Argentine has won 52 per cent of his ground duels and 48.5 per cent of aerial battles this season, compared to 60.6 per cent and 57.1 per cent for the Dutchman, per Fotmob.

The Lilywhites’ main target makes 1.77 tackles per game, 1.55 interceptions per game,
4.21 recoveries per game and 7.13 clearances per game.

Meanwhile, Van Hecke makes 1.56 tackles per game, 1.21 interceptions per game, 3.06 recoveries per game and 5.35 clearances per game.

It looks as though Van Hecke may well be the better option, but he may be less attainable for the North London side.