Jan Paul van Hecke, a strong and talented soccer player from the Netherlands, is making headlines this summer. The 24-year-old defender has told his team, Brighton & Hove Albion, that he does not want to sign a new contract with them. Instead, he’s aiming high — he wants to play for one of the top teams in the Premier League and eventually compete in the Champions League and the 2026 World Cup.
Who is Jan Paul van Hecke?
Let’s start by getting to know Jan Paul van Hecke a bit better. He plays centre-back, which means his main job on the field is to stop the other team from scoring. Centre-backs are known for their strength, focus, and good tackling skills. Jan Paul van Hecke is especially known for his calmness under pressure and ability to win the ball in the air — a key skill for defending crosses and set pieces.
He was born in Arnemuiden, a small town in the Netherlands, and began his career at NAC Breda, a Dutch football club. In 2020, he was signed by Brighton & Hove Albion for just €2.5 million — a bargain by soccer standards!
Soccer Fact: A transfer is when a player moves from one club to another, usually with a transfer fee involved. Some transfers cost millions of euros!
Brighton’s Big Offer… Rejected
Recently, Brighton offered Jan Paul van Hecke a huge contract — they even wanted to make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history! That means more money than any Brighton player has ever earned before.
But Jan Paul van Hecke surprised everyone. He turned the offer down and told Brighton that he won’t be negotiating a new deal at all. He made it clear he dreams of playing at the very top level of soccer. His goal is to join a bigger Premier League team — one that plays in the Champions League, which is the most famous club competition in Europe.
Soccer Fact: The UEFA Champions League is where the best teams from all over Europe face off. Teams like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich have all won the trophy!
World Cup Dreams
Jan Paul van Hecke also wants to be part of the Netherlands national team when they play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He made his debut for the Dutch national team earlier this year, which was a huge moment in his career.
To make the squad for the World Cup, Jan Paul van Hecke believes he needs to be playing at a higher level, facing tougher opponents, and improving his skills every week. That’s why he’s looking to move to a club that regularly competes against Europe’s best.
Soccer Fact: The FIFA World Cup is the biggest soccer tournament in the world and happens every four years. The last one was in Qatar in 2022!
Brighton Still Has a Say
Even though Jan Paul van Hecke wants to leave, it’s not that simple. He is still under contract with Brighton for two more years, meaning he can’t just leave without the club agreeing to sell him or unless another team buys him.
Brighton are open to selling him, but only for the right price. They are reportedly asking for €50 million — a huge jump from the €2.5 million they originally paid! If Brighton gets that amount, his old club NAC Breda will also receive 7.5% of the transfer fee because of a sell-on clause they added when they sold him.
Soccer Fact: Sell-on clauses are often included in transfer deals. They allow the old club to earn money if the player is later sold for a big fee.
Which Clubs Want Him?
Two of the clubs rumored to be interested in Jan Paul van Hecke are Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Both are top teams in the Premier League and are fighting for European spots every season. Tottenham, based in London, has a beautiful stadium and a strong fanbase. Newcastle, based in the north of England, has been improving fast and played in the Champions League during the 2023–24 season.
If either of these clubs signs Jan Paul van Hecke, it could be a big step forward in his career.
Soccer Fact: The Premier League is the top league in England and one of the most watched leagues in the world. It includes famous clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
What’s Next?
Brighton’s new season starts on August 16th, and their first match is against Fulham. Van Hecke will still be with Brighton at that time unless a transfer happens before then. Even though he’s not pushing for a move in a bad way — he’s not refusing to train or causing drama — it’s clear that he sees his future elsewhere.
Whether he moves this summer or later on, one thing is clear: Jan Paul van Hecke has big dreams, and he’s working hard to make them come true.
Summary
Jan Paul van Hecke, a Dutch defender, has refused to extend his contract with Brighton & Hove Albion.
He wants to move to a top Premier League club that plays in the Champions League.
His goal is to improve as a player and earn a spot in the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Brighton offered him a big contract, but he turned it down.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are interested in signing him.
Brighton wants €50 million for a transfer.
Van Hecke is still under contract until 2027, so he can’t leave for free.
Van Hecke’s story is a reminder that soccer players often have to make big decisions to reach their dreams. Whether or not he moves this summer, he’s definitely a player to keep an eye on in the future!
