Liverpool and Spurs battle for £44m target | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke as Defensive Options Narrow

Depth concerns in Liverpool defence

Liverpool’s summer transfer window was notable for its attacking recruits, but questions remain at the back. Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Milos Kerkez have been added, yet central defence looks short of long-term security. Virgil van Dijk is approaching the latter stages of his career, while Ibrahima Konaté has entered the final year of his contract. That combination leaves the Premier League champions assessing potential replacements.

Jan Paul van Hecke under consideration

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jan Paul van Hecke has emerged as a credible option. Sources indicate the Dutchman is admired at Anfield, though Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi remains the primary target. Should Guehi prove difficult to acquire, Van Hecke is seen as an alternative solution.

Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the 25-year-old, who Brighton are valuing at around £44 million. Spurs have sufficient depth in Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin and Luka Vuskovic, but Van Hecke’s profile is keeping him on their radar.

Brighton’s track record of major sales

Brighton have built a reputation for maximising value in the transfer market. Moisés Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Marc Cucurella are among those to have departed for significant sums. Van Hecke could be the next to generate major income, with his contract set to enter its final year in the summer of 2026.

The Dutch defender has been consistent in the Premier League, praised for his positional awareness, composure in duels and dominance in the air. He also contributes in possession, with a strong passing range that allows Brighton to build effectively from deep.

Liverpool’s defensive succession planning

For Liverpool, Van Hecke’s attributes would make him a logical candidate to follow Van Dijk. He has already featured alongside the Liverpool captain in the Netherlands squad and could offer continuity in style and presence. With Konaté attracting interest from Real Madrid, the need for reinforcements could become pressing as early as next summer.

While Guehi is Liverpool’s preferred choice, negotiations with Crystal Palace are unlikely to be straightforward. Brighton’s stance on Van Hecke may prove equally firm, but the potential of acquiring a defender entering his prime, with Premier League experience, is one that aligns with Liverpool’s recruitment strategy.