Tottenham were looking to sign Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke in a bid to strengthen Roberto de Zerbi’s side, but their initial bid was rejected.
Tottenham transfer updates: Van Hecke, Robertson, Senesi
De Zerbi engineered Premier League safety with a 1-0 home win over Everton on the final day of the 2025-26 season, saving Spurs from a shock relegation for the first time in 49 years.
But De Zerbi immediately insisted lessons must be learned to avoid another survival struggle, and Tottenham’s majority owners, the Luiz family, which runs ENIC, have pledged to invest in the necessary rebuild.
Brighton centre-back Van Hecke has emerged as a key target for Spurs, having worked with De Zerbi during his time in charge of the south coast club.
Since then, Van Hecke has developed into one of the Premier League’s best defenders and there was a lot of interest, with Tottenham taking the lead, but Brighton’s below-value bid was rejected.
Dutch international Van Hecke is entering the final 12 months of his contract with the Seagulls, raising the possibility of him leaving this summer.
He’s better than Van Hecke: Spurs plan to sign new defender in coming days
Van Hecke is not the only defender Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to sign this summer.
Spurs have announced the signing of free agent Andrew Robertson and are also heavily involved in signing Marcos Senesi, who left Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively at the end of last season.
Back-to-back 17th-place finishes have prompted Tottenham to take action, with a letter from the Luiz family to supporters last week pledging that the club is “doing everything we can” to once again compete at the top of the Premier League and that “change is afoot”.
Tottenham ‘ready to sign’ Ligue 1 midfielder
Tottenham are planning to strengthen their midfield this summer as well, and are seen as the “top candidate” for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
According to reports from Africa via Sport Witness, Spurs, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all “ready to make” big offers for the Senegal international, who is just 22 years old and already has 41 caps under his belt.
However, the Monaco star is currently interested in only two options: Villa and Tottenham.
The Ligue 1 club are prepared to give the green light for the move in order to make money, but are willing to settle for €50m (about £43m).
Kamara made 24 appearances in France’s top flight last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists, but is best known for his off-the-ball ability, averaging more than two tackles per game in both the domestic league and Champions League games.
He has been likened to Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton for his ability to sit deep, break up play and attack with sharp passes, but Spurs may be hoping to move quickly. His price tag is likely to rise if he performs well for Senegal at the World Cup.
Tottenham could be offered Juventus star in exchange for Vicario and Udogi
The old lady wants both Spurs players.
