Tottenham Hotspur favourite Rafael van der Vaart has questioned the potential €80m deal for Jan Paul van Hecke. He simply doesn’t believe that the Brighton star is worth that huge figure.
Soccer News report on comments from the former midfielder today. He believes that paying such a price for the Brighton defender would be ‘a disgrace’ according to the website.
Tottenham move for Van Hecke
Tottenham made their move for Jan Paul van Hecke last week, with Roberto de Zerbi determined to reshape his squad this summer.
He’s turned his attention to his former Brighton man, particularly with the prospect of Cristian Romero departing Spurs this summer. There is also the possibility that Micky van de Ven could depart.
They have already signed Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth, and the focus is now on Van Hecke.
Talks are now underway with Brighton about a deal, but the Seagulls are not playing ball. Despite Tottenham reportedly offering around €40m for the 26-year-old, whose contract expires next summer, Brighton are believed to be looking for around €80m.
€80m asking price
Negotiations continue either way. Sport Witness covered a report stating that Tottenham are confident their bid will be accepted at some point.
And while €80m is a figure they are unlikely to pay, Van der Vaart can’t get his head around such a figure even being suggested.
“I have to be honest, I am a fan of Van Hecke, but when I hear about €80m for Van Hecke, my football heart cries,” Van der Vaart he said on the Ziggo Sport podcast Wes & Raf.
“Those are amounts that don’t belong with this type of player. That nearly relegated Tottenham Hotspur is willing to pay that, I find that to be a very large sum of money. But you don’t look surprised. It is the times, I know that. But anyway…”
