Tottenham: Everything Roberto De Zerbi has said about Jan Paul van Hecke as transfer edges closer
De Zerbi helped keep the Lilywhites in the Premier League last season and will most likely be given the keys to land his own signings this summer.
Spurs have already completed the additions of Marcos Senesi and Andrew Robertson on free transfers, and van Hecke could add to a new-look defence next season.
Other clubs are keen on van Hecke, but the Dutchman is now said to be only speaking to Tottenham, with De Zerbi eager to get a deal done.
According to Joost Blaauwhof on X, Spurs have reached an agreement on personal terms for the Brighton defender, as the player is now keen to leave the Amex Stadium.
What has Roberto De Zerbi said about Jan Paul van Hecke?
De Zerbi is said to be a driving force behind the deal for van Hecke, as he looks to reunite with his former Brighton star.
A transfer could cost between £40million and £50m and it could even be agreed before the World Cup takes place, if the Seagulls cooperate well with Spurs.
Van Hecke has been a regular starter under Fabian Hurzeler, and was too when De Zerbi was in charge of Brighton.
The Tottenham boss is an admirer of the centre-back, and his past comments show exactly why he's so eager to get the deal done early in the window.
De Zerbi in November 2023, as quoted by Vi.nl, said: "Great player. Jan Paul has been a surprise for me and my staff. His development is incredible. He deserves to be a starting player."
The Italian also praised van Hecke in 2024. He said, as quoted by the BBC: "I think the most important quality of [van Hecke] is the balance between the arrogance and the confidence in himself.
"He is not arrogant but his confidence in himself is high, high, high."
Tottenham defence could be best one in years next season
Cristian Romero looks set to depart N17 this summer, and his exit will be a controversial one for the way his time here ended.
On the other hand, uncertainty remains around Micky van de Ven, though there may be hopes that he will stay if his Dutch team-mate in van Hecke joins.
Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are said to be interested in the centre-half, and any large fee may be welcomed by the Lewis family.
Either way, Tottenham will have a brand new defence next summer, with both Senesi and van Hecke having consistently performed in the Premier League for multiple seasons.
It's an exciting time to be a Spurs fan, and let's hope that a deal for the Brighton favourite is done soon enough.