Tottenham sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m

Tottenham have completed the £52m signing of Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.

The 26-year-old, who had a year left on his contract with the Seagulls, has signed what Spurs have called a "long-term" deal.

The transfer also contains a significant sell-on fee for Brighton should the defender be sold in the future.

"It's a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it's a dream come true," Van Hecke said.

He will be joining forces with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who he played under at Brighton following his move to the Amex Stadium from NAC Breda in 2020.

The move also pairs him with international team-mate Micky van de Ven who he lined up alongside in the Netherlands' World Cup opener against Japan, plus fellow Dutchman Xavi Simons who is currently recovering from an ACL injury.

"I already have a really strong connection with the head coach, who I'm looking forward to working with again. Micky has also told me some great things about the club, so I can't wait to get started."

Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange said the club had been tracking Van Hecke "for a number of years".

Van Hecke made 131 appearances for the Seagulls and started 36 out of 38 Premier League games for Fabian Hurzeler's side last season as they finished eighth. That secured European qualification for only the second time in the club's history.

"Jan Paul is someone I know very well from our time together at Brighton, and I'm delighted to be working with him again," De Zerbi said.

"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."