Tottenham Ready to Test Brighton’s Resolve with Double Dutch Swoop, Third Raid Also Possible
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to challenge Brighton & Hove Albion’s determination to keep hold of their stars, with moves for Dutch duo Bart Verbruggen and Jan Paul van Hecke being considered this summer. According to TEAMtalk sources, a surprising third option is also on the table.
Spurs are planning for a crucial transfer window as they aim to support head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who took over in March. The Italian delivered on his promise by securing Premier League survival for Tottenham, and the club’s leadership now intends to keep their word by building the squad De Zerbi believes can push the team forward.
As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Marcos Senesi and Andrew Robertson are both set to join on free transfers, with agreements already finalized. However, those moves are just the start of what is expected to be a significant squad rebuild.
Sources have told TEAMtalk that Tottenham are now eyeing Brighton goalkeeper Verbruggen and centre-back Van Hecke—two players De Zerbi knows well from his time on the south coast.
Importantly, Spurs’ interest predates De Zerbi’s arrival. The north London club had already done extensive scouting on both Dutch internationals and were keen on them long before the Italian took charge. Still, De Zerbi’s familiarity with the pair has only intensified Tottenham’s desire to secure a double deal.
Brighton to Hold Out for High Fees
The key question is whether Spurs can meet Brighton’s asking price for the two players. The Seagulls are in no rush to sell Verbruggen or Van Hecke and are expected to demand significant fees if official offers are made. Nevertheless, Tottenham believe there may be an opening to strike.
Defensive reinforcements are becoming a priority as the club considers several potential departures. TEAMtalk understands Spurs are looking to sell captain Cristian Romero while his market value remains strong, and they cannot entirely rule out Micky van de Ven leaving if a major bid comes in.
Even with Senesi arriving and highly rated Croatian teenager Luka Vuskovic potentially returning to the first-team picture after a successful loan, Tottenham are actively planning for additional centre-back options—making Van Hecke a natural target.
The Dutch defender has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs and is seen internally as a player who could become a long-term cornerstone of Tottenham’s defense.
Goalkeeping Changes on the Horizon
Changes are also coming in goal. Spurs have already agreed to let Guglielmo Vicario return to Italy this summer, leaving a vacancy. Antonin Kinsky impressed after finishing the season as first choice, but sources say De Zerbi wants a new long-term number one, and Verbruggen is viewed as the ideal candidate.
The Brighton shot-stopper has attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe, but Tottenham remain firmly in the running.
Carlos Baleba Also on Spurs’ Radar
TEAMtalk can also confirm that Tottenham are closely monitoring Carlos Baleba’s situation at Brighton. The £80m-rated midfielder has long been admired by Spurs and could become a serious target if his anticipated move to Manchester United falls through.
United remain interested in Baleba, but no breakthrough has been made in their pursuit, leaving the door open for rival clubs to step in.
Tottenham’s midfield plans are also tied to João Palhinha, with the club still awaiting a final decision from the Portuguese international on a permanent move following his successful loan from Bayern Munich.
If Palhinha decides against staying in north London, Baleba is considered one of the top alternatives in the Premier League market and a player who would fit seamlessly into De Zerbi’s system.
Indeed, TEAMtalk understands there is confidence within Spurs that both Verbruggen and Van Hecke would be open to moving to north London, despite the club’s lack of Champions League football.
With De Zerbi driving the recruitment strategy and Tottenham preparing for one of their biggest rebuilds in years, Brighton’s Dutch stars have emerged as two of their primary targets.
And with Baleba also firmly in the picture, Spurs’ admiration for Brighton’s squad runs deep as they look to accelerate their overhaul ahead of the new season.
