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Tottenham Hotspur are looking to make major improvements next season after a poor 2025/26 campaign that left them narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League.
One major talking point is the future of captain Cristian Romero, whose disciplinary record has raised concerns. The defender missed six league matches through suspension, with Tottenham losing all but one of those games as they battled to stay up, eventually surviving by just two points.
Romero’s commitment has also come under scrutiny. Ahead of a key final-day clash with Everton, there were questions over his availability due to a knee injury and reports suggesting he had considered travelling to Argentina to watch boyhood club Belgrano in a title-deciding match.
Although he eventually returned, sections of the fanbase have grown frustrated with the centre-back, who has previously attracted interest from Atletico Madrid.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are also active in the transfer market, with Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke emerging as a target.
Liverpool and Newcastle have also monitored the Dutch international, with reports suggesting Spurs have already had a second bid rejected. Van Hecke, who joined Brighton in 2020 from NAC Breda, is entering the final year of his contract.
In May, it was reported that Liverpool had made direct contact with both the club and the player. Spurs are pushing to strengthen early in the window and have already been linked with further defensive additions as they reshape their squad. Tottenham have already completed the signing of Andy Robertson on a free transfer from Liverpool.
According to Ben Jacobs, Spurs intend to submit a third bid for Van Hecke. Jacobs posted on X: “Spurs intend to place a third bid for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
“Van Hecke only has a year left on his contract and wants to join. There remains optimism an agreement can be reached.”
After loan spells with Heerenveen and Blackburn, Van Hecke has developed into a strong Premier League defender and has also earned 11 caps for his country.
Last season, the Netherlands international racked up 40 appearances in all competitions for Brighton, scoring three goals and providing three assists as the Seagulls qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League.