Liverpool Eyeing Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke amid Renewed Defensive Plans
Liverpool continue to keep their focus firmly on defensive reinforcements, with Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke now emerging as a player of real interest. According to TeamTalk, “Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle United could give worry to Brighton with potential moves for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke in 2026.”
This follows a frustrating end to the summer transfer window in which Liverpool saw a £35 million deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi collapse, despite progress on deadline day. Sources suggest the Reds remain keen to return for Guehi in January, though van Hecke’s situation could yet alter their thinking.
Van Hecke’s Contract Situation
Van Hecke is entering a pivotal stage in his career. With two years left on his Brighton deal, Albion have been working to tie him down but without success so far. As TeamTalk report, “Albion want to sign Van Hecke to a new deal, but the 25-year-old is aware of options opening up.”
The Dutch defender has shown steady development under Fabian Hurzeler, and his appetite for Champions League football may play a decisive role. “Albion have already made initial advances to keep him but know he has high ambitions and wants to start pushing himself towards Champions League football,” the original article states.
Competition from Spurs and Newcastle
Liverpool will not have a clear run if van Hecke does become available. Tottenham also made late attempts to strengthen defensively this summer but fell short, while Newcastle United have added centre-back to their priority list for 2026. “They are continuing to consider Van Hecke, along with Newcastle United, who have a centre-back addition on their list of areas to address in the new year,” wrote TeamTalk.
This competition highlights the growing reputation of van Hecke, who is attracting suitors not only in England but also on the continent.
Guehi Remains a Liverpool Target
Despite fresh scouting reports on van Hecke, Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi is far from over. Palace resisted a sale this summer but may soften their stance once a replacement is lined up. TeamTalk explained that “Liverpool have been given confidence that after Crystal Palace did not let Guehi go this summer – as they had no replacement in place – a January transfer could come to fruition, for £10million less than in the window just gone.”
Such developments could mean Liverpool are keeping their defensive strategy fluid, weighing up whether to move for van Hecke, return for Guehi or even look elsewhere.
Other Anfield Notes
Alongside centre-back concerns, Liverpool face challenges in other areas. Academy star Rio Ngumoha is reportedly attracting serious attention from Real Madrid, who are keen to lure him to Spain. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s new signing Alexander Isak was described by his agency as “history in the making”, underlining the impact the striker is expected to bring.
What is clear is that Liverpool are not standing still when it comes to their long-term squad building.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
As Liverpool supporters, there is a sense of familiarity in these reports. We have seen this club linked with numerous defenders before, and while some moves materialise, others fall through in frustrating circumstances. The collapse of the Guehi deal felt like a setback, but the idea of revisiting it in January makes sense. At £10 million less than the original summer price, the opportunity is even more appealing.
When it comes to van Hecke, the player is talented, versatile and Premier League proven. He has impressed with Brighton’s ability to develop defenders and could bring the right profile for Arne Slot’s high defensive line. At 25, he is entering his prime years and looks ambitious enough to push for Champions League football. That fits with Liverpool’s trajectory.
However, with recent investments in Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Milos Kerkez, plus the established presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah and Kostas Tsimikas, the back line is beginning to feel more competitive. Slot will have to consider carefully whether another signing, on top of Guehi or instead of him, provides balance or simply adds numbers.
There is also the question of opportunity cost. Spending on van Hecke might limit room for strengthening elsewhere in future windows. Guehi appears the more elite-ready option, but van Hecke could still represent shrewd business.
For fans, the intrigue lies in how Slot and the recruitment team decide between these two defenders. Either way, January looks set to be another defining moment in shaping Liverpool’s defence for seasons to come.
