Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler has spoken publicly for the first time about Jan Paul van Hecke following the defender’s transfer to Tottenham.Tottenham Hotspur are certainly delighted to have finally got their hands on centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, who signed for £52 million. Agreeing a deal with Brighton and Hove Albion was never straightforward, with the Seagulls rejecting a series of offers from Spurs before the pair eventually reached an agreement. Van Hecke has since spoken of his eagerness to feature for Tottenham next season, although his immediate focus remains on the World Cup with the Netherlands.Photo by ANP via Getty ImagesFabian Hurzeler hails Jan Paul van Hecke after £52m Tottenham moveSpurs have every reason to be pleased with the signing of the Dutchman, with Van Hecke currently topping several key defensive metrics when compared with Tottenham’s centre-backs. He was also part of a Brighton defence that conceded the third fewest goals last season, having made 36 appearances. His decision to choose Tottenham despite interest from Chelsea is a major boost, and Spurs will hope he can make a telling impact on their squad.Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has now spoken about the defender following his departure this summer, offering insight into his development and the qualities that made him stand out. Speaking to talkSport, Hurzeler reflected on Van Hecke’s rise and the influence he had at the Amex, before stating that the Seagulls will miss him.He said, “I think Jan Paul has been outstanding for us. He developed into one of the best centre-backs in the league through hard work, through consistency and through fantastic mentality and we as a club are grateful for everything he gave to Brighton and of course we will miss him. I will miss him. We wish him all the best for his career and of course also for his family.”👋 "One of the best centre-backs in the Premier League."😳 "Brighton drive a hard bargain."Fabian Hürzeler and Jason Cundy react to Jan Paul van Hecke joining Spurs for £52million. pic.twitter.com/FBD25k8QTs— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 19, 2026Spurs eye Sandro Tonali after defensive reinforcementsTottenham are clearly not stopping with their defensive business as they aim to further strengthen their squad. With the back line already bolstered by the arrivals of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Van Hecke, attention is now set to turn towards midfield. Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali has emerged as Tottenham’s preferred option, and progress is being made in Spurs’ pursuit of the Italian. Spurs Web has revealed that talks have now begun between Tottenham and Newcastle as they look to agree a fee for Tonali, who is valued at £100 million.However, Spurs had their opening bid of £80m turned down for Tonali, so there is still plenty of work to be done.READ MORE: ‘Another £10m and we’re almost there’ – Tottenham fans react to Brighton’s third Luka Vuskovic bidThe post ‘Best centre-backs in the league’ – Brighton boss breaks silence on Van Hecke to Tottenham appeared first on Spurs Web.