Jan Paul van Hecke (Image credit: Google)
According to BN DeStem (h/t Burnley Express), Brighton have agreed to a deal for NAC Breda youngster Jan Paul van Hecke ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that the Seagulls have agreed on a £1.8m deal for the Dutch youngster which could also further rise according to the appearances he makes. Brighton have been one of the busiest teams since the transfer window opened having already signed Joel Veltman and Lars Dendoncker.
Born in the Netherlands, van Hecke started his career with JVOZ’s youth system before joining VV Goes. A year later, he signed for NAC Breda’s U19 side on a free transfer. In 37 games for the club’s U19 and U21 squad, the young centre-back contributed with 10 goals and broke into the first team in the 2018/19 campaign.
However, he initially struggled for regular game time but has featured in the other cup competitions. In 25 appearances in the 2019/20 season, he has managed to score 10 goals for the club and that is something rare form a centre-back. He has shown immense qualities for the Dutch outfit this past season.
The Seagulls have plenty of options in central defence. Club captain Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster have been regular starters while Shane Duffy is another experienced centre-back available at the manager’s disposal. Apart from that they also have Dan Burn as cover for the main centre-backs.
Veltman was also signed a few weeks back while they also have Ben White, who came through the ranks at AMEX Stadium. However, Dunk and Duffy have been linked with a move elsewhere and White’s future at the club remains uncertain. Therefore, signing a centre-back with a view of the future is a must.
In that regard, van Hecke would be a suitable option for the club. The Dutch youngster has been in sensational form for NAC Breda this season and is just 20. He has a lot of room for development and should only get better with experience.
With several of the club’s centre-back’s future uncertain, making a move for young defenders would pay off well in the future. And given Van Hecke’s eye-catching displays this term; he can develop himself under Graham Potter and grow into the leader of their backline in the future.
With White’s future uncertain and Dunk and Duffy linked with moves elsewhere, it is clear that the Seagulls need centre-backs for their future. And van Hecke would provide them with an extra option to choose from. Thus, they have done the right thing by agreeing to a deal for the Dutch youngster.
