Newcastle Target Brighton Star as Centre-Back Search Continues | OneFootball

Newcastle Eye Van Hecke as Guehi Alternative in Transfer Hunt

Newcastle United’s summer recruitment drive is beginning to take shape, with fresh reports linking the Magpies to Brighton’s impressive Jan Paul van Hecke. Credit to GiveMeSport, who highlighted the club’s growing interest as Eddie Howe searches for a new centre-back.

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According to Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Newcastle’s admiration for Van Hecke is longstanding, with the Dutch defender impressing across a demanding Premier League season. Having previously chased Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi — and baulking at the £70 million asking price — Newcastle now seem intent on finding a more financially viable option.

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Van Hecke Gaining Admiration

Van Hecke, 24, has quietly built an excellent reputation at Brighton. Described as “sensational”, he has become a mainstay in Fabian Hurzeler’s side and shown the kind of resilience and technical proficiency that would suit Howe’s evolving defensive set-up.

The report claims, “Newcastle are tracking Van Hecke and could battle it out with Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen, who are also interested.” With only two years left on his contract, and Brighton eager to tie him down, Newcastle may need to act swiftly.

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Competition and Considerations

The potential return of Lloyd Kelly from Juventus complicates matters slightly, but not enough to alter Newcastle’s pursuit. “Kelly’s loan included an obligation to buy if Juventus finish in a European spot, and the club will assess the situation come the end of the season.” Regardless, a new centre-back remains high on Howe’s agenda.

With other targets such as Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande valued at eye-watering figures, Van Hecke’s relative affordability, coupled with his growing Premier League pedigree, makes him an intriguing prospect.

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Focus on Building a Stronger Squad

Newcastle’s aim is clear: build a squad capable of challenging at the top end consistently. Adding a player with Van Hecke’s mix of potential and proven quality would certainly fit that mould.

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Van Hecke has been outstanding for Brighton, and the fact he’s described as “sensational” says it all. He’s not just a solid defender; he’s calm on the ball, intelligent, and tough enough to deal with Premier League forwards week in, week out.

With the way Eddie Howe sets up — high defensive line, aggressive pressing — Van Hecke would fit in brilliantly. He’s proven he can handle top-flight football, and at 24, his best years are still ahead of him.

Let’s be honest, trying to splash £70 million on players like Guehi or Diomande isn’t where Newcastle need to be right now. They need value, smart business, and a player hungry to kick on at a bigger club. Van Hecke looks ready for that.

Brighton won’t let him go easily, but if Newcastle are serious about kicking on next season, especially with European football on the horizon again, this is exactly the sort of signing that gets them closer to the top four.