Official:‘He deserves it’ – Defender commits long-term future to Brighton by signing new multi-year contract

admin | December 15, 2023 | Brighton, Uncategorized | No Comments

‘He deserves it’ – Defender commits long-term future to Brighton by signing new multi-year contract

A Brighton & Hove Albion defender has committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new multi-year contract.

A new deal, signed by Jan Paul van Hecke, is valid until June 2027.

In addition to making 17 appearances thus far this season, the center-back has started in each of Albion’s past six Premier League games.

Head coach of the men’s first squad Roberto De Zerbi stated, “I’m very happy for JP’s new contract.” He is deserving of it. He’s developing into a terrific player.

“JP is a key player for us, putting in consistent performances and dealing with the demands of Thursday-Sunday football,” technical director David Weir continued.

In addition to being a fantastic player and person, he also trusted the strategy we had in place for him when he arrived, and now everyone is benefiting from it.

Before moving to Brighton in September 2020, the 23-year-old started his career in the Netherlands with NAC Breda, where Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen also went through the ranks.

After that, he played for Heerenveen for the 2020–21 season, and then had a breakthrough year while on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

Even though Jon Dahl Tomasson’s club missed out on the Championship play-offs that season, Rovers recognized van Hecke’s play and awarded him Player of the Season, making him the first player on loan to receive the honor.

Before becoming a mainstay in De Zerbi’s squad this season, he made 15 appearances for the Seagulls the previous season.

He has eight appearances under his Dutch under-21 career.