Brighton sell Van Hecke to Spurs, eye defensive reinforcements
Napoli’s talks for Lazio defender Mario Gila stall over fee, with reports naming Brighton as leading Premier League admirers, alongside Bournemouth interest, for the highly rated 25-year-old centre-back.
Brighton agree to sign teenager Zadok Yohanna from AIK on a five-year deal to 2031. Yasin Ayari, starring at the 2026 World Cup and ex-AIK, vows to ‘look after him’ as the winger settles at the Amex.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler held Brazil talks after meeting Carlo Ancelotti during a World Cup fact-finding trip.
Brighton open 2026/27 vs Aston Villa at the Amex on 23 Aug, live on Sky, amid Conference League play-off ties. Palace first on 17 Oct. Run-in: Palace away 15 May, Liverpool home 23 May, Arsenal away 30 May.
Brighton are pushing to activate a defender’s release clause amid Tottenham bids, as Albion step up plans to reinforce their back line.
Opinion reflects on Jan Paul van Hecke’s journey from £1.8m signing to key Brighton defender and award winner before a £52m move to Spurs, praising his growth under De Zerbi and service to Albion.
Brighton sell Jan Paul van Hecke to Spurs for £52m with a significant sell-on. The Dutch centre-back made 131 Albion appearances, started 36 league games last season and reunites with Roberto De Zerbi.
