Spurs agree personal terms to sign £70m star

Tottenham Hotspur are in desperate need of a successful summer transfer window to prevent a repeat of the past two seasons in the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi’s immediate impact in North London saw the Lilywhites stave off any relegation threats and finish the 2025/26 campaign in a lowly 17th place.

However, it is not the first rodeo for fans to see their team struggle in England’s top flight, as they finished in exactly the same place 12 months ago.

As a result, this summer is a crucial time for the management as they aim to climb the table and push for European spots in 2026/27.

The recruitment team has been working hard in recent days to secure a number of players, as it appears that the cards are already in place before the window opens on Monday.

Spurs agree personal terms to sign £70m star this summer

Spurs’ hunt for more reinforcements this summer will take them across Europe, but additions from other Premier League clubs could also be an exception.

Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo is just one player to emerge as a possible target, with the Dutchman said to be open to leaving Anfield in the next window.

A fee of around £60m has been raised for the 27-year-old, who has scored seven league goals during his recent campaign in England’s top flight.

Gakpo is not the only Premier League player they are currently eyeing, as Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke has also appeared on their shortlist.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old star ahead of a potential summer move to join the Lilywhites.

He also said talks are continuing between the two sides, after Roberto De Zerbi’s men had their first request for a defender rejected earlier in the week.

The Seagulls want at least £70m to offload Van Hecke this window, but it remains to be seen how willing the Lilywhites are to sign him.

Why Van Hecke will be the next Spurs captain after Romero

After the draw in the Premier League last season, changes are expected at Spurs this window, defender Cristian Romero is one that could be released.

The Argentinian has troubled his fans in recent months as he has refused to quash rumors linking him with a move to North London.

However, it’s safe to say he hasn’t lived up to expectations in recent times, after accumulating 11 yellow cards and two reds during the 2025/26 campaign.

His poor disciplinary record has undoubtedly cost the Lilywhites crucial moments – which is considered unacceptable, especially by the club’s captain.

Romero could leave given ongoing speculation over his long-term future, which could pave the way for a new club captain ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Van Hecke’s departure could provide the next captain, the quality and leadership of the Dutchman at Brighton making him a top target for De Zerbi’s players this summer.

The 26-year-old has been a constant presence in Brighton’s recent rise to the Premier League, with his stats for the latest campaign highlighting the talent he possesses as a defender.

His impressive tally of 2198 passes completed last quarter put him in the top 3% of all players in the division – highlighting his poise with the ball at his feet.

De Zerbi’s plan wants the players to be comfortable when playing football, which could see Van Hecke playing a key role in his efforts to lead the Lilywhites back to the Premier League.

Outside of football, the Dutch international also attracted attention, after which he won 62% of ground duels, while making 8.9 defensive contributions out of 90.

No Spurs defender has managed to win more international caps with 90 than the Brighton star last season – further highlighting the extra quality he would bring to any move.

The personal deal is proof that the player himself wants to move to North London – but it is important that the Lilywhites’ management work hard to satisfy the Seagulls’ demands.

£70m would be an astronomical sum for a full-back, but it is one that could give De Zerbi the quality full-back they are looking for right now.

There is no reason why Van Hecke cannot be a success in North London, who could be the right man to replace Romero and take the belt in the hunt for success.