Jan Paul van Hecke: Tottenham have signed the £52m Brighton defender

Tottenham The Netherlands defender completed a £52m signing from Jan Paul van Hecke Brighton.

The 26-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract with the Seagulls, has signed what Spurs have called a “long-term” deal.

Transfer also has a significant sell-on fee Brighton Defender should be sold in the future.

“It’s a huge honor to be a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it’s a dream come true,” Van Hecke said.

He will join forces with head coach Roberto Di Zarbi, under whom he played Brighton After the move from NAC Breda to the Amex Stadium in 2020.

The move also linked him with international teammate Mickey van de Ven, with whom he lined up Netherlands in World Cup opener against JapanFellow Dutchman Javi Simmons who is currently recovering from an ACL injury.

“I already have a strong relationship with the head coach, who I’m looking forward to working with again. Mickey has also told me some great things about the club, so I can’t wait to get started.”

Tottenham Sporting director Johan Lange said the club had been tracking van Heyke for “many years”.

Van Hecke has made 131 appearances for the Seagulls and started 36 of 38 Premier League games for Fabian Herzeller last season as they finished eighth. This marked the second time in the club’s history that European qualification had been achieved.

“Jan Paul is someone I know very well from our time together BrightonAnd I’m delighted to be working with him again,” said de Zerby.

“He is a strong, intelligent centre-back who is bold in possession and plays with personality. Those are important qualities for the way I want to set up our team.”