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Brighton and Hove Albion are facing the prospect of losing one of their most vital defensive players this summer

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The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful Want to add more newsletters? Five times a week Four Four Two Daily Fantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more. Once a week . .. And it’s LIVE! Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off! Join the club Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. Newcastle United transfer target Jan Paul van Hecke looks increasingly likely to depart the Amex Stadium in the coming months. The Dutch international will shortly enter the final 12 months of his deal, with every indication of a growing reluctance from the player to sign a contract renewal. Despite Brighton’s reputation for securing long-term commitments from their stars, Van Hecke appears ready for a new challenge, leaving the Seagulls with a difficult decision: sell this summer or risk losing him for free in a year's time.

Newcastle are high on the list of suitors, having registered significant interest in the 25-year-old during the previous two windows. According to Dutch outlet VI, Brighton have tried 'several times to entice Van Hecke to sign a new, significantly improved contract'.

The 25-year-old has reportedly pinned his hopes on the next step in his career, though, and is understood to be aware of the Premier League interest in his signature. Van Hecke could modernise Newcastle's defensive unit that has faced scrutiny this season. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. With Fabian Schär entering the twilight of his career and ongoing fitness concerns surrounding Sven Botman, a new central defender is needed on Tyneside this summer. Van Hecke's ball-playing ability and vast Premier League experience would allow him to compete for the right-sided centre-back role at St. James' Park. The financial dynamics of any deal will be heavily influenced by the contract stand-off. While a player of Van Hecke's statistical profile would typically command upwards of £50 million, his expiring contract and apparent reluctance to extend mean a reduced fee, perhaps in the region of £25m to £30m, is more realistic. Get VIP Premier League tickets HERE with Seat Unique! Seat Unique is a shortcut to those sold-out, high-stakes Premier League matches that usually feel out of reach without years of loyalty points. By partnering directly with clubs like Manchester United, Spurs, and Everton, they provide 100% official, guaranteed entry without the red tape of memberships or ballots. It’s a secure way to bypass the resale lottery and walk straight into the ground with a prime view, making those "once-in-a-lifetime" derbies actually doable. Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has been vocal in his admiration for the defender, previously describing him as the 'heartbeat' of the team’s build-up play. However, with Hürzeler also emphasising the need for players fully committed to the Seagulls' project, the stage is set for a summer exit that could see Van Hecke follow in the footsteps of current Newcastle defender Dan Burn, who swapped the south coast for a return to the north east shortly after the Magpies' 2021 takeover. Van Hecke is currently valued at €35m by Transfermarkt. Joe joined Four Four Two as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

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