How Roberto De Zerbi finally got Jan Paul van Hecke to Spurs | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi says he privately messaged Jan Paul van Hecke about signing for Tottenham after a 2-2 draw in North London late last season. According to TheArgus.co.uk, the Spurs manager contacted his former defender directly and later got his man.

In his first match in charge, De Zerbi was close to a much-needed win. Deep into added time, van Hecke won the ball in the Spurs box and set up Georginio Rutter to score, which looked a damaging blow to Tottenham's survival hopes.

Tottenham recovered to stay up on the final day, then made van Hecke one of several summer signings. Albion turned down an initial offer and held firm before Spurs sealed the move.

The gist of his note was that, having tried to push Tottenham down for Brighton with that assist for Rutter, he now had no choice but to come to him.

He added that he privately contacted Sandro Tonali the day after the season ended as he mapped out summer recruitment.

He also appeared satisfied with the £46 million Spurs received for Luka Vuskovic, who joined Albion after an initial £30 million bid was rejected. De Zerbi said he assessed Vuskovic's situation with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange, stressing he treats Tottenham's money as his own and aims to sell high, buy low and build over five seasons.

Source: TheArgus.co.uk

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