Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up to test Brighton & Hove Albion’s resolve this summer, with moves being planned for Dutch pair Bart Verbruggen and Jan Paul van Hecke, while a potential third raid on the south coast club is also under consideration.
Spurs are preparing for what promises to be one of their most ambitious transfer windows in recent memory as they look to back head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who joined in March and delivered on his primary objective of securing Premier League survival. The club’s hierarchy are now ready to honour their commitment by funding a significant squad overhaul.
As previously reported, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson are set to arrive on free transfers, with deals already in place. But those additions are merely the opening act of a much broader recruitment drive.
Brighton Duo Firmly in Spurs’ Sights
Tottenham have identified Brighton goalkeeper Verbruggen and centre-back Van Hecke as priority targets — two players De Zerbi knows intimately from his time managing the Seagulls. Crucially, Spurs’ interest in both players predates the Italian’s appointment, with extensive scouting already completed before he took charge. De Zerbi’s personal familiarity with the duo has simply strengthened the club’s resolve to push ahead.
Brighton, however, will not make it easy. The south coast club are under no pressure to sell and are expected to demand substantial fees before entering any serious negotiations.
Defensive Rebuild Gathers Pace
Defensive reinforcement has become a pressing priority, with Tottenham actively exploring the sale of captain Cristian Romero while his market value remains high. The club also cannot completely rule out losing Micky van de Ven should a significant bid materialise.
Even with Senesi incoming and highly-rated Croatian teenager Luka Vuskovic potentially returning from loan, Spurs are pushing for further cover at centre-back — a need Van Hecke is ideally suited to fill. The Dutchman has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dependable defenders and is viewed internally as a potential long-term cornerstone of Tottenham’s backline.
Goalkeeping Succession Plan
The goalkeeping position is also set for change. Guglielmo Vicario has been given the green light to return to Italy, leaving a vacancy between the sticks. While Antonin Kinsky finished the season as first choice and performed admirably, De Zerbi is understood to want a new long-term number one — and Verbruggen fits the profile perfectly, despite interest from several other top European clubs.
Baleba the Wildcard
Tottenham are also keeping close tabs on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, valued at around £80 million, who has long been admired at Spurs. The Cameroonian could become a serious target if his expected move to Manchester United fails to materialise. United’s pursuit has stalled with no breakthrough in sight, leaving the door ajar for rival clubs.
Tottenham’s midfield planning is further complicated by uncertainty surrounding Joao Palhinha, with the club awaiting a final decision from the Portuguese international on whether to make his loan from Bayern Munich permanent. Should he opt against staying, Baleba is considered one of the leading alternatives and a player who would slot naturally into De Zerbi’s system.
Confidence Growing
Despite Tottenham’s absence from Champions League football, sources indicate there is genuine belief within the club that both Verbruggen and Van Hecke would be receptive to a move to north London.
With De Zerbi driving the recruitment agenda and a major rebuild firmly underway, Brighton’s Dutch stars have emerged as two of Spurs’ foremost summer targets — and with Baleba also firmly in the frame, the admiration for what Brighton have built runs deep at Tottenham as they accelerate preparations for the season ahead.
