Liverpool Enquire About Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke

Van Hecke on Liverpool’s radar ahead of summer move

Liverpool are reported to have contacted Brighton about defender Jan Paul van Hecke, with the 25-year-old seen as a target despite an expected Ibrahima Konaté extension.

Brighton’s Van Hecke linked with Liverpool switch...

Liverpool have made an approach for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, according to reports in the Dutch press on Saturday.  

Van Hecke has been linked with an exit since last summer, when Brighton blocked a move. With his deal running until 2027 and the Netherlands international unwilling to sign an extension, a summer departure now looks likely.  

Voetbal International claims Arne Slot’s Liverpool have asked about the 25-year-old, viewing him as a good fit for their backline. The outlet’s Joost Blaauwhof reports that the clubs have spoken, and that Liverpool have also been in contact with Van Hecke for some time.

NIEUWS: Liverpool heeft zich gemengd in de strijd om Jan Paul van Hecke. Arne Slot ziet in de verdediger van het Nederlands elftal een interessante versterking voor komend seizoen. Onlangs heeft Liverpool contact met de international van Oranje opgenomen. Zo meer @VI_nl 🔴🚨🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/j7308d9hYd

— Joost Blaauwhof (@joost_blaauwhof) May 2, 2026

Liverpool’s pursuit of Van Hecke isn’t changed by Ibrahima Konaté’s expected contract extension. If he arrives, the World Cup-bound defender would join a center-back group featuring Virgil van Dijk, Konaté, Joe Gomez, and the injured Giovanni Leoni.  

Brighton signed Van Hecke from NAC Breda for €2 million in 2020. He’s gone on to make 126 appearances for the Seagulls across all competitions since moving to the south coast.