Van Hecke ready for next step as Brighton contract ticks down | OneFootball

Jan Paul van Hecke’s Brighton deal runs to 2027, but with an extension looking unlikely and Champions League football his priority as he turns 26 in June, a summer sale looms if Albion want a fee. According to WeAreBrighton.com, he rejected improved terms last year despite the offer to become the club’s highest earner.

His 2025-26 form has strengthened his case. Once questioned for a lack of pace, his reading of the game has sharpened and he now steps into midfield to create, operating effectively in a modern libero role.

Before Brighton’s 2-1 win over Liverpool, Fabian Hurzeler spoke of transparent dialogue with Van Hecke and Kaoru Mitoma, stressing clarity about the future but an emphasis on the present. When asked if they will sign, he said everything is possible, both are important, and decisions involve both club and player.

Van Hecke impressed against Liverpool at the Amex and was one of Brighton’s better performers despite the 3-0 FA Cup defeat at Anfield. He has been linked with Liverpool as a potential long-term Virgil van Dijk successor.

Spurs and Manchester City have also been mentioned, with Pep Guardiola familiar with him and his record against Erling Haaland. “Van Hecke is a good age at 25 and had done well at Brighton,” and “Looking at team he could join, I think Manchester United,” said Alan Smith, speaking to Best Betting Sites.

With one year left this summer, Brighton’s leverage drops. Foreign clubs can talk to him from January 2027, and a fee of £40 million to £50 million has been suggested. The Marc Guehi saga offers context, and any sale would still dwarf the £2.7 million Brighton paid NAC Breda in 2020.

Source: WeAreBrighton.com