Roberto De Zerbi has secured another major target in the ongoing transfer window as Tottenham Hotspur officially confirmed the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The North London club finalised a deal worth approximately £52 million for the Dutch centre-back, who has earned a starting place in his national team’s defence at this summer’s World Cup. Van Hecke has committed to a long-term contract with Spurs, reuniting with De Zerbi, under whom he previously flourished at Brighton.

“It’s a huge honour to become a Spurs player, and joining such a prestigious club is truly a dream come true,” Van Hecke told Tottenham’s official media after sealing the move. “I already share a strong connection with the head coach and I’m excited to work with him again. Micky [van de Ven] has spoken very highly of the club, and I can’t wait to get started.”

The 24-year-old defender also expressed his enthusiasm about playing in front of Tottenham’s supporters. “I’ve been to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player, but now I’m looking forward to stepping out there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a very special moment,” he added.

Spurs’ sporting director Johan Lange praised the Dutch defender, describing him as “an outstanding defender” and revealing that the club had been tracking him for several years. “Alongside his technical abilities and sharp defensive instincts, he possesses the maturity, character and professionalism that we value in our recruitment,” Lange explained. “As we continue strengthening our squad, it’s crucial to bring in players who can make an immediate impact while also fitting into our long-term strategy. Jan Paul perfectly matches that profile, and we’re thrilled about what he can contribute to the team.”

Van Hecke’s familiarity with De Zerbi’s tactical philosophy from their time together on the south coast is expected to help him settle quickly into his new environment. “Jan Paul is someone I know very well from our time at Brighton, and I’m delighted to work with him again,” said De Zerbi. “He’s a strong, intelligent centre-back, confident with the ball and full of personality—qualities essential for the way I want our team to play. Off the field, he’s mature, a natural leader, and driven to improve every day. He’s made tremendous progress in recent seasons, and I believe he can grow even further here at Tottenham Hotspur.”

Van Hecke first joined Brighton at the age of 20 and became a first-team regular under both De Zerbi and Fabian Hurzeler at the Amex Stadium. In the previous season, he made 40 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and three assists.

He now becomes Tottenham’s third signing of the summer, following fellow defenders Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, who arrived on free transfers from Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively.