Discussions initiated between Newcastle United and a £43m Dutch international, who holds a questionable past at St. James' Park, according to recent reports.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Dutch defender, Jan Paul van Hecke, is attracting interest from two Premier League powerhouses - Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur - as both clubs explore potential transfers this summer. With a reported valuation around €50 million (£43 million), the 25-year-old defender is poised for a high-profile move [1][2][3][4].
Van Hecke's contract with Brighton runs until 2026, but he has decided against renewing it despite being offered a record salary to stay. The defender is seeking a move to a club competing in the UEFA Champions League, a promise Brighton cannot currently make [1][4].
Newcastle United, who are in the market for reinforcements in the centre-back position due to injury issues and an aging squad, have already initiated talks with Brighton and begun negotiations with Van Hecke. Tottenham Hotspur have also entered the race, viewing him as a valuable addition to their defensive depth, especially with injury concerns among their current defenders [1][2][3].
The potential transfer is not without its complications, however. Last season, during Brighton's FA Cup victory at St. James' Park, an altercation involving Van Hecke and Newcastle's Anthony Gordon took place. Gordon performed a two-handed shove on Van Hecke's neck after the referee's whistle, an incident that may have left some tension between the two players [3].
If Van Hecke were to join Newcastle, this past incident could potentially be a minor point of friction. However, the allure of competing in the Champions League, coupled with the opportunity to play for a younger squad, could outweigh any lingering issues [1][2][3].
Transfermarkt values Van Hecke at £27.6m, but according to Voetbal International, he could be available for approximately £43 million. With Jamaal Lascelles returning from a lengthy lay-off and unlikely to feature much for Newcastle this season, Van Hecke could prove to be a valuable addition to the squad [1][4].
As the summer transfer window heats up, both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are keen to secure the services of Jan Paul van Hecke. The defender, who is open to a move from Brighton, could be set for a new challenge in the Premier League [1][2][3][4].
[1] The Athletic [2] Sky Sports [3] Voetbal International [4] The Sun
Jan Paul van Hecke's potential move from Brighton & Hove Albion to either Newcastle United or Tottenham Hotspur could shake up the European-leagues, as both clubs are actively pursuing him for their defensive depth. Due to his desire to compete in the UEFA Champions League, van Hecke might find more appeal in joining a club like Newcastle United, despite a past altercation with Anthony Gordon during the FA Cup.
