Van Hecke tipped to be Liverpool’s next defensive signing
Liverpool are in need of signing a central defender or two sooner rather than later with Joel Matip having departed the club in recent months. A quieter transfer window than one would have expected has meant that Arne Slot has had no new defensive addition, a rather concerning issue given that Virgil van Dijk is ageing and is in the last 12 months of his contract.
The Reds need to bring in a centre back on priority and 2025 may be the year they make a long overdue investment in the position. While they have already been linked with a host of options over the last few weeks, former Watford striker Troy Deeney believes Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke would be a worthy addition for the Merseyside outfit.
When covering matchday four’s Premier League Team of the Week for BBC Sport, he wrote the following about the Dutch youngster who has already played alongside Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk whilst on international duty:
“He’s wonderful on the ball, looks so calm and composed. I think he’ll be the one they end up selling next year to someone like Liverpool. He’s naturally left-footed and never looks flustered.”
Indeed, van Hecke is another superb talent that Brighton are in the process of grooming and it would not come as a surprise if there are several Premier League clubs interested in landing him next summer.
Liverpool would undoubtedly be an attractive destination for the 24-year-old, who would also be a solid fit in their team. A composed player, van Hecke is immaculate on the ball and has a good range of passing which will be a particularly important attribute in Arne Slot’s system.
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A transfer for the player will not be an easy proposition, however, as a competitive race for his services could mean the Seagulls seek a significant fee to part with their prized asset. Meanwhile, it also remains to be seen if Liverpool take Troy Deeney’s recommendation on board or pursue options which they have already monitored over the recent past.
