Tottenham are already learning how to make their biggest summer signing after agreeing a deal for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
Tottenham agree third summer signing
Tottenham have reached an agreement with Brighton to sign Dutch defender Van Hecke for £52million.
Spurs made a move for defender Van Hecke earlier this month after a disastrous 2025-26 campaign in which only a last-day win over Everton ensured Premier League survival.
After Tottenham had two bids rejected for the 25-year-old, who is out of contract next summer, a deal has been agreed with Brighton and Van Hecke will move to north London in a deal worth a fixed fee of £52m.
Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi worked with Van Hecke for two seasons at Brighton and the centre-back has emerged as one of the best players in his position in the Premier League.
Although Tottenham have avoided relegation, De Zerbi has warned that lessons must be learned and the majority of the club’s owners, the Lewis family, have promised that they are “all ready” to fund the rebuilding needed after finishing 17th.
Spurs have conceded 122 goals in the last two Premier League campaigns and De Zerbi has been quick to introduce defensive resilience with the addition of Van Hecke following the arrivals of left-back Andy Robertson and defender Marcos Senesi.
Van Hecke began his career in his homeland with NAC Breda before Brighton secured his services in 2020.
It was under De Zerbi during the 2023-24 campaign that Van Hecke really came into his own with the Seagulls and he made 40 appearances last season to help the club qualify for Europe for only the second time in their history.
Van Hecke is set to meet fellow Dutchman Micky van de Ven at Tottenham.
Brighton are expected to accelerate their pursuit of Spurs defender Luka Vuskovic as a potential replacement but have had two bids rejected this month.
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It was a polite no to the Lilywhites.
Fabrizio Romano shares Sandro Tonali’s update on Tottenham
Tottenham’s interest in Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali stunned the football world on Wednesday, as it emerged that the Lilywhites are ready to challenge North London rivals Arsenal for the Italian’s signature.
ENIC are reportedly willing to pay £100m to sign Tonali and personal terms will not be an issue, with Romano sharing some very exciting news for Spurs fans in his latest YouTube video.
According to the reporter, Spurs are now ready to start official talks with Newcastle about the 26-year-old player, who is ‘willing’ to join especially to play under De Zerbi.
“Tottenham will soon reach Newcastle to start negotiations.”
Tonali played 35 times in the Premier League last season and played 11 games in the Champions League, and is highly respected by his teammates.
“He went through a difficult time in his career but he was always optimistic,” said Bruno Guimaraes last year.
“He’s an unbelievable player and an amazing guy.”
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