Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sat 28 March 2026 14:52, UK

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Jean Paul van Hecke is reportedly the subject of interest from Liverpool among several other clubs this summer.

The 25-year-old has grown into a superb defender over the past few years, and now looks set to go to the World Cup with the Netherlands.

He featured as Ronald Koeman’s side beat Norway 2-1 on Friday, with goals from Virgil van Dijk and Tijjani Reijnders proving enough to outweigh Andreas Schjelderup’s opener.

Van Hecke will have just one year remaining on his contract at Brighton this summer, and there appears to be no progress on a potential extension.

Liverpool transfer chiefs will be watching how the situation develops, with centre-back expected to be a position of priority this summer amid Ibrahima Konate’s pending exit.

Dutch media hail Jean Paul van Hecke

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider in January that Van Hecke wants to play Champions League football next season.

The Dutchman is also expected to be on the radar of the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham, should the latter avoid relegation.

Van Hecke has enjoyed a superb season and has grown into a crucial figure for Brighton.

Signing from NAC Breda in 2020 for a fee in the region of £2million, the defender spent seasons with Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers before he was finally given a chance.

The seasons since have seen him thrive in the Premier League, with his senior debut for the Netherlands finally coming in 2024.

Van Hecke looked natural next to Van Dijk as Koeman’s team beat Norway on Friday, providing his manager with yet another example of his readiness to go to the World Cup.

Dutch website Football Oranje rated the centre-back’s performance a 7/10, and wrote: ” A solid performance from the defender and didn’t put a foot wrong.”

Brighton to brace for Van Hecke offers

Notoriously good sellers Brighton will be well aware that their best chance of receiving a sizable fee for Van Hecke will come this summer.

Should the defender go into the final year of his contract, the Seagulls could find themselves forced into accepting a minimal fee in January, or risk losing him for nothing.

Luckily, the 25-year-old has a number of suitors, and looks as if he will be a player in demand in the coming months.

While Liverpool look to be the favourite, the presence of big spenders Chelsea will be a welcome sight to transfer chiefs at the American Express Stadium.