Having arrived at Brighton & Hove Albion from NAC Breda in 2020, Jan Paul van Hecke had to wait until last August to make his debut for the Premier League side.
The centre-back made 13 appearances last season and had to spend the majority of his time on the bench.
Despite the lack of regular game time, he’s told Omroep Zeeland that the time spent at Brighton last season has helped in his career development.
“I have become a much better footballer this season. My debut in the Premier League is something I dreamed of as a young boy. The level in the competition is so high, I learned a lot from that,” he said.
The 23-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this month and Brighton retain an option to extend it until 2024. The Netherlands U21 international has now revealed that Roberto De Zerbi’s side have exercised that option.
“The option in my contract has been lifted, after the European championship I will talk to the club about my future,” Van Hecke explained.
The defender is now preparing for the U21 European championship with Jong Orange later this month.
Van Hecker’s aim is to feature regularly next season and if it cannot be achieved with De Zerbi’s side, he wants a move to another club. The Dutchman has insisted a decision will be made on his future after holding talks with Brighton, and that there’s the possibility of a longer term deal.
“We have had discussions with the club and that will be continued after the European Championship. The intention is to extend, but nothing has been signed yet,” Van Hecke added.
“I would like to play more next season, that could be at Brighton or somewhere else. There will be more clarity after the European championship.”
