LONDON (AP) 鈥� Tottenham confirmed the signing of Netherlands international Jan Paul van Hecke on Thursday from Brighton for a reported fee of 52 million pounds ($68 million).
The 26-year-old Van Hecke, who is playing at the , will be reunited with coach , having played for him at Brighton.
鈥淚 already have a really strong connection with the head coach, who I鈥檓 looking forward to working with again,鈥� Van Hecke said in the Premier League club’s announcement.
Tottenham described Van Hecke as 鈥減assionate and imposing.” The team said he signed a 鈥渓ong-term contract鈥� without specifying the number of seasons.
鈥淗e is a strong, intelligent centre back who is brave in possession and plays with personality,鈥� De Zerbi said. 鈥淭hose are important qualities for the way I want our team to set up.鈥�
Van Hecke made his World Cup debut on Sunday in the Netherlands’ .
After , Tottenham has been bolstering its defensive ranks. Spurs signed Argentina center back Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth and left-back Andy Robertson from Liverpool on free transfers.
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