Image Credits: Imago Images
One of Richard Hughes’ main recruitment priorities over the past two years has been strengthening Liverpool’s defence, a focus that looks set to continue.
Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giovanni Leoni and Georgi Mamardashvili have already been added to the squad, while a deal for Jeremy Jacquet has also been agreed for this summer.
With uncertainty still surrounding Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk, further defensive additions are expected, although one potential move may not materialise until next year.
Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke has been linked with a switch to Anfield, but Tottenham Hotspur are now considered the frontrunners for his signature.
Van Hecke, 26, has established himself as a reliable Premier League defender since joining Brighton, having initially signed from NAC Breda, where he made 16 appearances in his breakthrough season.
He gained further experience with a loan spell at Heerenveen before impressing in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers, where he was named Player of the Year.
Since breaking into Brighton’s first team in 2022, he has become a key figure under Roberto De Zerbi, making 39 appearances in the 2023/24 campaign and earning both Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards in 2024/25.
Internationally, he has progressed through the Netherlands setup, earning his senior debut in 2024 and featuring at the World Cup as the Dutch drew with Japan.
Jan Paul said: “It’s a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it’s a dream come true.
“I already have a really strong connection with the Head Coach, who I’m looking forward to working with again. Micky (van de Ven) has also told me some great things about the Club, 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 there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment.”
Sporting Director, Johan Lange, said: “Jan Paul is an outstanding defender who has excelled in the Premier League and at international level, and someone we have been tracking for a number of years.
“As well as his technical qualities and strong defensive instincts, he also has the maturity, character and professionalism that we look for when recruiting players.
“As we continue to build our squad, it is important to bring in players who can contribute immediately while also being part of our long-term vision. Jan Paul fits that profile perfectly, and we are excited about what he will bring to the team.”
Head Coach, Roberto De Zerbi, said: “Jan Paul is someone I know very well from our time together at Brighton, and I’m delighted to be working with him again.
“He is a strong, intelligent centre-back who is brave in possession and plays with personality. Those are important qualities for the way I want our team to set-up.
“Off the pitch he is mature, a leader and has a hunger to learn and improve every day. Jan Paul has made great progress over the past few years and I believe he can develop even further here at Tottenham Hotspur.”
Jan Paul van Hecke in a Spurs shirt, courtesy of Micky 😍 pic.twitter.com/3DUCq5ItQp
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 18, 2026