Third newcomer for shaky defense
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After a last-minute Premier League rescue, Tottenham Hotspur are facing their first costly transfer of the coming season. According to consistent media reports, a move for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke is nearing completion. A transfer fee of 52 million pounds, the equivalent of a good 60 million euros, is being discussed. Bonuses should not be agreed in the deal.
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 | J. van Hecke |
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Central defender | ||||||||||
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It would be the third most expensive transfer of the summer so far. The Spurs have only spent four times more in their history. At Brighton & Hove Albion, the 26-year-old central defender would be ranked fifth among the record departures. Van Hecke is considered coach Roberto De Zerbi’s desired target. Both know each other from their time together at the Seagulls.
Brighton had previously tried to extend the contract with the Dutch World Cup driver beyond 2027, but in vain. Van Hecke has been active for the club from the south coast of England for six years and cost 2 million euros. In total he played 131 games and increased his market value to 45 million euros.
For the Londoners he would be new signing number three after Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi and Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson, both of whom came on a free transfer. The defense would then be improved for the third time. In the last Premier League season, Tottenham had one of the weakest defenses, conceding 57 goals in 38 games. Sandro Tonali is also said to be on the shopping list.