Big news from the Ornacle this morning — Tottenham Hotspur have apparently placed a bid — and had it rejected — for Brighton’s 25-year-old Dutch central defender Jan Paul van Hecke. If confirmed, Van Hecke would be the second central defender to join Tottenham’s back line this summer, if we include the impending signing of Bournemouth CB Marcos Senesi.
First — Van Hecke is an excellent player and would be a very, very solid addition to Tottenham’s back line. He has one year left on his current deal and has apparently rejected a contract extension. Van Hecke has developed into one of the most well-rounded defenders in the Premier League, with an emphasis on progressive play. That probably means Brighton could be motivated to cash in on him for a decent fee, only to then turn around and sign some nobody from the Danish third division who will become the future best central defender in Europe. It’s what Brighton does. H
But Van Hecke would also serve a pretty important role in Roberto De Zerbi’s back line. De Zerbi has worked with him before as Brighton manager and thus has a pretty good idea of what he can bring to the table — solid defense, ball progression, and most of all, passing from deep positions. He scored 3 goals and tallied 3 assists for Brighton last season, pretty good for a defender. He averages nearly 9 completed final third passes per 90 min and is a FANTASTIC progressive outlet from deep. He’d be a very good signing for Tottenham Hotspur.
It does, however, bring up some questions as the opening of the transfer window beckons. Specifically, I wonder about the futures of both Cuti Romero and Luka Vuskovic, but moreso I wonder about whether this signifies that De Zerbi is planning on Tottenham playing with a back three formation next season. We know De Zerbi likes progressive play and buildup, and he’s mentioned his preference for a defender with good passing metrics — Van Hecke certainly meets that brief. You can see a potential starting lineup with Van Hecke, Senesi, and Micky van de Ven anchoring the defense, with Destiny Udogie/Andrew Robertson and Pedro Porro operating as wing backs.
The article doesn’t say how much Tottenham’s bid was, only that it was below Van Hecke’s value and was rejected, but talks continue. And if talks are continuing, that means it’s very likely that Van Hecke will eventually be sold for a reasonable fee. Ornstein also notes that Van Hecke is one of three Brighton players, along with Bart Verbruggen and defensive midfielder Carlos Baleba, expected to leave the club this summer. Not coincidentally, Spurs have been tentatively linked with all three players.
If Spurs are able to land and sign both Van Hecke and Senesi before the transfer window even starts, it’s a significant overhaul of the defense and could signal that De Zerbi is planning on selling Romero after the World Cup. As for Luka Vuskovic, he could come into the team as a reserve CB, or head back out on loan for another year of seasoning at a top continental European club. Or, as is the running joke at Carty Free Towers, maybe De Zerbi will just play him at striker. I think he could do it.
We’d also be adding another tow-head to compete with Sweden international midfielder Lucas Bergvall (and, technically, also Richarlison). Spurs Women have become known as the “blonde ponytail club” for the number of (frequently Nordic) players with similar hair color and styles. Why not the men, too? More blonde bitches for Tottenham Hotspur!
