At a glance:
- Liverpool make contact with Jan Paul van Hecke
- Dutchman also wanted by Tottenham
- De Zerbi-Van Hecke’s Brighton connection
Jan Paul van Hecke could be in the middle of a transfer battle between Liverpool and Tottenham in the summer.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side will be active in the upcoming transfer windows to fine-tune a squad that has drastically underperformed in recent seasons.
Defence could be a major area of concern for the Italia, especially with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven linked with Tottenham departures.
Van Hecke is well known to De Zerbi, as they worked together at Brighton. However, if reports from the Netherlands are to be believed, the Dutchman is wanted by Liverpool.
Liverpool make first move for Van Hecke
Van Hecke has been linked with a move to Tottenham, with his Brighton teammate Bart Verbruggen also a target for the Lilywhites.
The central defender has been a mainstay for Fabian Hurzeler as he delivered a fine showing in the recent 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
After that game, we wrote on Read Tottenham that Van Hecke successfully passed his Tottenham audition.
But now, Voetbal International report that Liverpool have already made contact with his agents to discuss a summer transfer.
Arne Slot is reportedly a big admirer of Van Hecke, whom he unsuccessfully tried to sign when he was at the helm at Feyenoord.
His contract expires next summer, so Brighton could cash in on him in the upcoming transfer window to avoid losing him for free a year later.
Van Hecke would be perfect for Tottenham
At just 25, Van Hecke already has a wealth of Premier League experience under his belt at Brighton.
Read More: 5 Tottenham academy players who could play in remaining four games
With his contract running out next summer, Tottenham – or other interested clubs – could snap him up below his market value in the summer.
De Zerbi previously referred to Van Hecke as an ‘incredible’ player and he’d be a fantastic addition for Tottenham.
The Dutchman is comfortable with the ball at his feet and knows the Italian’s philosophy inside out, which is another reason why the North London outfit should do everything to get him.
However, Liverpool could offer him UEFA Champions League football next season and the chance to link up with the Dutch contingent at the club, with Slot, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo all at Anfield currently.
Tottenham, on the other hand, are fighting to secure their Premier League status, so they need to first ensure they stay in the top-flight before making a move for the defender.
