Manager speaks out on future of Premier League defender Chelsea are targeting | OneFootball

Manager speaks out on future of Premier League defender Chelsea are targeting | OneFootball

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the Chelsea News

·12 April 2026

Manager speaks out on future of Premier League defender Chelsea are targeting

Article image:Manager speaks out on future of Premier League defender Chelsea are targeting

Chelsea are interested in signing Brighton centre back Jan Paul van Hecke, and Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler has spoke out.

The defender has a contract that runs out in 2027 and at the moment, there are no signs of a renewal being close or happening. But that doesn’t mean that Hurzeler has given up on keeping the player and says he aims to have talks with him about staying on.


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With Chelsea interest, as well as other clubs I am sure, Brighton will now be fearing trying to keep hold of their top centre back.

I’ve personally had info from our sources saying that Chelsea have van Hecke on the summer centre back shortlist, so he’s certainly one to watch for The Blues.

Hurzeler on van Hecke

Article image:Manager speaks out on future of Premier League defender Chelsea are targeting

Fabian Hurzeler on the touchline for Brighton.

“I love Jan Paul,” Hürzeler said in a press conference. “I love his attitude, how he works for the team, I love his mentality of winning. He has a big impact on his teammates; therefore I would love to continue working with him, because we have a really good relationship.

“I also like some perspective from the players regarding their future,” Hürzeler added. “We will sit together, try to make a decision that is best for the club, that is best for the player. Jan Paul knows what he has with Brighton. He’s always had the opportunity to play, to grow, to make the next step.

“We hope to make the next step together, to be successful with him. This will be our main challenge and then we see how it’s going.”

Quotes via Sports Illustrated.

In other news today

Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi is very close to choosing his next club and his agents have been in contact with Chelsea according to reports over the weekend.

Enzo Fernandez is likely to leave Chelsea this summer, according to former Manchester United scout Mick Brown, who has been speaking about the situation over the weekend.

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