Jan Paul van Hecke sell-on clause explained as Tottenham confirm £52m Brighton signing

Tottenham Hotspur person confirmed the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported £52m.

The centre-back - who is presently distant representing the Netherlands astatine the 2026 World Cup - has go Roberto De Zerbi's 3rd signing of the summertime aft Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

Reports emerged connected Tuesday claiming that Tottenham had agreed a £52m woody for Van Hecke, who was astir to participate the last twelvemonth of his declaration with Brighton, and helium completed his aesculapian connected Thursday.

Journalist Alasdair Gold reports that Tottenham's woody for Van Hecke besides includes a 20% sell-on clause, but that lone applies connected immoderate nett that Spurs marque if they were to merchantability the 26-year-old for a higher interest successful the future.

Speaking to Tottenham's authoritative channels aft his arrival, Van Hecke said: "It's a immense honour to go a Spurs subordinate and erstwhile you articulation specified a large club, it's a imagination travel true.

Jan Paul van Hecke: 'Micky van de Ven told maine large things astir Tottenham'

Jan Paul van Hecke, invited to our household ?? pic.twitter.com/PSxNUREvr5

"I already person a truly beardown transportation with the Head Coach, who I'm looking guardant to moving with again. Micky (van de Ven) has besides told maine immoderate large things astir the Club, truthful I can't hold to get started.

"I've been astatine Tottenham Hotspur Stadium arsenic an absorption subordinate and present I'm looking guardant to walking retired determination successful beforehand of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That volition beryllium a peculiar moment."

Van Hecke formerly worked nether De Zerbi astatine Brighton, who signed the defender for a specified £1.7m from NAC Breda successful 2020, earlier helium spent successive seasons retired connected indebtedness with Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers.

Following his Brighton breakthrough successful the 2022-23 season, Van Hecke made 131 appearances for the Seagulls successful each competitions, scoring 4 goals and assisting six more.

The Dutchman registered 3 goals and 3 helpers successful 36 Premier League games past play and besides played the afloat 90 minutes successful the Netherlands' 2-2 World Cup gully with Japan connected Sunday.

Shirt numbers disposable to Jan Paul van Hecke astatine Tottenham

At the commencement of the 2025-26 season, Van Hecke was bestowed with the fig six garment astatine Brighton, the aforesaid fig helium is presently sporting for the Netherlands.

The centre-back could precise good clasp that jersey astatine Tottenham, arsenic its past occupant - Joao Palhinha - is not expected to motion from Bayern Munich connected a imperishable woody pursuing his indebtedness spell.

Alternatively, Van Hecke could instrumentality the accepted centre-back's '5', which has been vacant since Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's exit, though Senesi should besides person his eyes connected that shirt.

The fig 2 garment has besides had nary taker since Matt Doherty departed successful 2023, though Robertson would beryllium a much viable campaigner for a recognised full-back's jersey.

Twelve is besides disposable for Van Hecke, and the 16 could besides beryllium escaped if Brighton-linked Luka Vuskovic heads successful the other direction.