Jan Paul van Hecke’s performances for NAC Breda last season, in the second tier of Dutch football, caught attention of other European clubs.
Brighton & Hove Albion were successful in acquiring the 20-year-old’s services in the last window and the Seagulls have the defender on a contract lasting until 2023.
Graham Potter’s side wanted the centre-back to gain first team experience, which is why they sent him out on loan to SC Heerenveen.
The player has been a regular figure in the Dutch club’s defence and has made seven appearances in the Eredivisie this season.
According to Omroep Zeeland, AS Monaco had agreed a deal with NAC Breda for Van Hecke’s transfer, but he wasn’t in favour of joining them.
This happened before Brighton completed his deal and speaking to the same outlet, the Dutchman has explained why he decided to join the Premier League side.
“I think I’ve made a very nice step now. The Premier League is a dream for every young boy. They also had the best plan with me,” he told Omroep Zeeland.
Van Hecke also shared an insight about his growth in football after initially having doubted himself.
“I didn’t think I’d be a professional footballer two years ago. It is bizarre that I played at VV GOES two years ago for promotion to the Derde Divisie [third division],” the Brighton owned player explained.
“I sometimes look at summaries of two years ago at GOES and now I play in the Eredivisie where everything is going well.
“I always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to become a professional, but I just lived the student life and played football at GOES. After the game you just go into the canteen and now in professional football everything is different. But that makes it all nice that I have developed like this as a football player.”
