Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 16 April 2026 14:15, UK

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Newcastle United are reportedly among the clubs interested in Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke this summer.

The 25-year-old has resisted all attempts to tie him down to a new contract at the American Express Stadium, with his current deal to expire in 2027.

Newcastle and Chelsea are among several sides expected to test the waters in the coming months, with Brighton facing a decision.

This summer marks the final chance for the Seagulls to extract a significant fee from the sale of Van Hecke, especially with the defender coming off the back of a fantastic individual season.

Newcastle transfer chiefs will hope to steal in ahead of the pack, although a strong World Cup for the talent will make the signing all the more difficult to pull off.

Sven Botman faces bench for club and country

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider in January that Van Hecke will not sign a new contract at Brighton, with the defender keen to take the next step in his career.

Liverpool would appear the most attractive destination for the 25-year-old, but Newcastle will hope to sell a strong project.

The Magpies have endured a difficult season, but a summer of significant investment could land them right back in the mix.

There will have to be departures for that, and there could even be one in defence if Van Hecke does arrive.

Sven Botman has struggled with injury issues yet again this season, with his first season at the club in 2022-23 remaining the only one in which he has avoided them.

The 26-year-old has always shown his quality, but frustrations may well see him finally sold this summer in the wake of the seemingly never injured Van Hecke.

The Brighton defender was handed a more prominent role for the Netherlands this year, while Botman awaits his debut. Van Hecke may be about to steal his place at the club level, too.

What Fabian Hurzeler said about Van Hecke’s future

Just a few months ago, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler had been under significant pressure, having endured a dismal season.

With five wins from their last six Premier League games, however, the Seagulls now find themselves in the hunt for European football.

“I love Jan Paul,” Hurzeler said when asked about Van Hecke earlier this month. “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. 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.”