Brighton sign 'powerful' young Dutch defender on three-year deal

Defender Jan Paul van Hecke has signed from NAC Breda on a three-year contract.

The 20-year-old joined Breda in 2018 and is regarded as one of the best young defenders in the Netherlands.

Technical director Dan Ashworth said, “We have been tracking Jan Paul for quite a while and we’re delighted he has joined us.

“He’s a young talent, a powerful defender who is comfortable on the ball and good in possession.

“The plan now is that he will go out on loan to a club in Europe for the season to continue his development.

“The club’s loans department, led by David Weir, will monitor his progress closely over the course of the season.”

Fellow Dutchman Joel Veltman also arrived at the Amex earlier this summer having joined from Ajax for £900,000.