Roberto De Zerbi’s primary focus will be to avoid relegation at Tottenham.
However, he has signed a five-year deal at the club and will have one eye on the future as the North London outfit prepare to make wholesale changes to their squad.
There are a lot of gaping holes, but the rearguard, in particular, will come under the microscope in the summer transfer window.
And if reports from the Netherlands are to be believed, Tottenham are firmly in the running for a Brighton defender who De Zerbi knows quite well.
Van Hecke-De Zerbi reunion?
After his knee injury against Sunderland, it appears likely that Cristian Romero has already played his last game for the club. The Argentine has been linked with a departure for quite some time now and has a release clause in his contract.
Micky van de Ven has also been unwilling to commit his future to Tottenham as they face a battle to retain their Premier League status.
The Lilywhites are likely to sign a centre-back or two in the summer transfer window and a new name has now been thrown into the mix: Jan Paul Van Hecke.
The Dutch international has been a rock at the back for the Seagulls in recent seasons and appears as if he has his heart set on a departure this summer.
Voetbal International report that Van Hecke wants to leave Brighton to take the next step in his career, with Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham believed to be in the race to secure his signature.
Brighton tried hard to tie him down to a new deal but have thus far been unable to do so. And with his current contract set to expire in 2027, a summer departure is the likely solution for all parties involved.
Van Hecke would be perfect for Tottenham
The Dutchman made a name for himself under De Zerbi at Brighton, so Tottenham undoubtedly have an advantage in the race for his signature if they avoid the drop.
In December 2023, the Italian lavished praise on Van Hecke, suggesting that the defender’s maturity belies his age.
“I think the most important quality of JP is the balance between arrogance and confidence in himself,” said De Zerbi via Brighton’s official website.
“He is not arrogant, but his confidence in himself is high, high, high.
“It is his secret to keep this level because he has an incredible personality, shows incredible leadership and he is so young. It’s not common to see one young player with that level of personality.”
If Tottenham avoid the drop, they need smart signings to build a competitive squad, as they have too many issues to address. And with Van Hecke’s contract set to expire next year, they could well sign him for below his market value, making his potential arrival an intriguing proposition.
Tottenham are also interested in signing Bart Verbruggen from Brighton, with Guglielmo Vicario linked with a move to Inter Milan recently.
For their own sake, the Seagulls will hope Tottenham drop down to the Championship, as it would effectively end their hopes of signing two of their prized assets, even with De Zerbi at the helm.
