Published Jun 17, 2026, 1:41 PM GMT+1

Ben is an experienced sports writer and editor, graduating with a Master’s in Sports Journalism in 2017.

Ben counts experience with publications like The Liverpool Echo and The Lincolnshire Echo. He has covered various sports, from American football to Mixed Martial Arts, but his primary passion is football reporting.

Since joining Football FanCast in 2018, starting out as a freelance writer covering nearly every team in the English football ladder, Ben has progressed through the ranks. He now leads the publication’s news team as a senior editor.

Tottenham agree third signing of the summer

Tottenham have reached an agreement with Brighton to sign Dutch defender Van Hecke for £52million.

Spurs made a move for centre-back Van Hecke earlier this month after a terrible 2025-26 campaign where only a final-day win over Everton secured Premier League survival.

After Tottenham had two bids rejected for the 25-year-old, who was set to be out of contract next summer, an agreement has been struck with Brighton and Van Hecke will move to north London in a deal worth a fixed £52m fee.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi worked with Van Hecke across two seasons at Brighton and the ball-playing central defender has since emerged as one of the best players in his position in the Premier League.

Even though Tottenham avoided relegation, De Zerbi warned lessons must be learned and the club’s majority owners the Lewis family promised they were “all in” to fund the required rebuild after back-to-back 17th-placed finishes.

Spurs conceded 122 goals across the last two Premier League campaigns and De Zerbi has immediately got to work on bringing in defensive reinforcements with Van Hecke’s addition following the arrivals of left-back Andy Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi.

Van Hecke started his career in his homeland with NAC Breda before Brighton secured his services in 2020.

It was under De Zerbi during the 2023-24 campaign when Van Hecke started to flourish with the Seagulls and he made 40 appearances last season to help the club qualify for Europe for only the second time in their history.

Van Hecke will now link up with Netherlands team-mate Micky van de Ven at Tottenham.

Brighton are expected to accelerate their pursuit of Spurs centre-back Luka Vuskovic as a potential replacement but have had two bids rejected this month.

Tottenham's interest in Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali stunned the footballing world on Wednesday, as it emerged the Lilywhites are ready to challenge North London rivals Arsenal for the Italian's signature.

ENIC are reportedly willing to pay £100m to sign Tonali and personal terms would not be an issue, with Romano sharing even more exciting news for Spurs fans in his latest Youtube video.

According to the reporter, Spurs are now ready to begin formal talks with Newcastle over the 26 year-old, who is 'keen' to join specifically to play under De Zerbi.

Tonali played 35 times in the Premier League last season and made 11 appearances in the Champions League, and is highly respected by his teammates.

"He went through a difficult moment in his career but he’s always been positive," said Bruno Guimaraes last year.

"He’s an unbelievable player and a really amazing guy."