Exclusive: Newcastle United Begin Talks to Sign £27m Brighton Star Jan Paul van Hecke – Deal Would Be Blow to Liverpool
Newcastle United have officially opened transfer negotiations in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, sources have revealed to 3 Added Minutes. The Magpies are aiming to bolster their defensive ranks this summer, and van Hecke has emerged as a top target, potentially complicating matters for Premier League rivals Liverpool, who are also believed to be monitoring the Dutch defender.
The Tyneside club has already been closely linked with Brighton forward João Pedro in recent weeks, but it now appears they have set their sights on a second Seagulls star — with van Hecke now firmly on their radar. Conversations with the player’s representatives are already underway as Newcastle look to steal a march on other interested clubs.
The 25-year-old Dutch international has enjoyed a steady rise over the past few seasons. After initially arriving at Brighton with limited fanfare, van Hecke proved himself during a productive loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in the 2021–22 season. Since then, he has earned a regular starting place in Brighton’s first team, gradually evolving into one of the Premier League’s most competent and composed ball-playing defenders.
Having made five senior appearances for the Netherlands national team and played a crucial role in Brighton’s recent campaigns, van Hecke is seen as a player with a high ceiling and the ability to play at the top level for years to come.
Eddie Howe Identifies Defensive Reinforcements as Priority
With Newcastle manager Eddie Howe keen to address depth issues at the back, especially in light of recurring injury problems and an aging defensive core, van Hecke fits the bill perfectly. Veterans Dan Burn and Fabian Schär are approaching the twilight of their careers, and skipper Jamaal Lascelles is now considered a backup option at best. As a result, Howe and the recruitment team are actively pursuing younger, high-potential centre-backs — and van Hecke ticks all the right boxes.
Beyond just his defensive stability, van Hecke offers substantial value going forward. Data from last season places him among the elite ball-progressing defenders in Europe. He ranked sixth across the top five leagues for progressive carry distance per 90 minutes, highlighting his ability to bring the ball out from the back with confidence and control.
Moreover, the Dutchman excelled in a number of key passing metrics. With 4.2 successful long balls per 90 minutes, he was ranked fifth in the Premier League — trailing only the likes of Joachim Andersen, Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk. When it comes to total passes per match (61 per 90), van Hecke also finds himself in the company of elite defenders such as Josko Gvardiol, William Saliba, and Rúben Dias.
Defensive Solidity and Premier League-Ready Physicality
Defensively, van Hecke is a robust competitor. He ranked in the top 15 per cent of Premier League defenders last season for duels won, aerial duels, tackles, and ball recoveries, reflecting his combative presence and ability to read the game. While he did get dribbled past on 18 occasions during the 2024–25 campaign — a stat that suggests room for improvement in one-on-one situations — the overall body of work firmly establishes him as a reliable and growing force in the Premier League.
Liverpool Interest and Brighton’s Reluctance to Sell
Newcastle’s pursuit of van Hecke may also be a setback for Liverpool, who are reportedly admirers of the Dutchman and could have considered him part of their own defensive rebuild. However, Newcastle have acted swiftly, and with talks underway, they may now hold the upper hand.
That said, Brighton are not eager to let him go. The south coast side views van Hecke as an essential part of their future and have already seen the player crowned Player of the Season — a testament to his influence on and off the pitch. Club insiders suggest Brighton will demand a substantial transfer fee well above Transfermarkt’s £27 million valuation, which they see as far too low for a player of his calibre and trajectory.
What Happens Next?
Newcastle’s initial discussions with van Hecke’s representatives are aimed at gauging the player’s interest and establishing the groundwork for a possible move. If the player is open to the switch and personal terms can be agreed, the focus would then shift to Brighton, where negotiations could prove more complex. The Seagulls have earned a reputation as tough negotiators — and rightly so, given their track record of developing top talent and selling at premium prices.
Van Hecke, still just 25, is a player who appears to be approaching the peak of his powers. For Newcastle United, landing him would be a major statement of intent, especially amid competition from other top clubs. Whether Brighton can be persuaded to part ways with their star defender remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: Newcastle are serious, and the chase is on.