Tottenham have made a move to sign a sought-after midfielder who is being chased by several of the world’s biggest clubs.
Spurs have been very busy this summer, completing their third signing of the window this week as Jan Paul van Hecke joined from Brighton.
Spurs have made a move for Dutch defender Van Hecke after a disastrous 2025-26 campaign in which Roberto De Zerbi’s side secured Premier League survival with a last-day home win over Everton.
De Zerbi worked with Van Hecke for two seasons at Brighton and positioned the Dutch defender as a key part of Tottenham’s rebuild. After two bids were rejected earlier this month, an offer of £52million was accepted and the 26-year-old signed a long-term contract.
Van Hecke said. “It’s a great honor to be a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it’s a dream come true.
“I have a strong relationship with the coach who I look forward to working with again.” Micky (van de Ven) has also told me good things about the team, so I can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player and now I’m looking forward to walking out in front of our fans in a Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment.”
After De Zerbi rescued Spurs with three wins in seven games in charge, the Italian warned of lessons after finishing 17th and the club’s majority owners the Lewis family pledged to back the necessary rebuilding.
Tottenham were heavily focused on defensive midfielder Andy Robertson and defender Marcos Senesi who joined on a free transfer before Van Hecke’s services were secured to boost a side that have conceded 122 goals in the last two league campaigns.
De Zerbi said: “Jan Paul is someone I know well from our time together at Brighton, and I’m delighted to be working with him again.
“He is a strong, intelligent defender who has the courage to play football and who plays with character. Those are important qualities in the way I want our team to be organized.
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“Off the field you are mature, you are a leader and you are hungry to learn and improve yourself every day.
“Jan Paul has made great progress over the last few years and I believe he can improve a lot here at Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham are eyeing a midfield signing
After signing three defensive players, the next priority for the manager is to improve the midfield, with Fabrizio Romano sharing a transfer update about a possible marquee move.
Indeed, the journalist confirms that Spurs officials made a call to inquire about the future of West Ham star Mateus Fernandes.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with Fernandes, while Romano reveals that Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid are also interested, but the Lilywhites could fall short of the world’s two biggest clubs.
“It is true that Tottenham also called the player’s agent, so Tottenham had a discussion with the player’s agent and they are interested in Mateus Fernandes.
“But at the moment it is too early to say where he is going. Tottenham are calling, Manchester United are in discussions, Real Madrid are being considered, he was one of the names shown by Jose Mourinho.”
The 21-year-old midfielder scored three goals and provided four assists for the Hammers in the Premier League last season, but is expected to leave for around £80m following their Championship defeat.
Spurs are also interested in Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, while De Zerbi has been a fan of the Italy international since his days at Sassuolo.
De Zerbi wanted a ‘smart’ player at Sassuolo, now Tottenham are exploring a deal
The Italian has been loving people for years.
