Sunderland have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke on loan. The 22-year-old started for Brighton in their Carabao Cup win over Forest Green Rovers on Wednesday night, but according to Football Insider, the Dutchman has been given the 'green light' to complete the move.
With Sunderland closing in on the centre-back, here is everything you need to know about Jan Paul van Hecke.
Who is Jan Paul van Hecke?
Van Hecke is a defender who plays for Brighton. Standing at 6'2", the centre-back spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers. Brighton signed the Dutch Under-21s international from NAC Breda in 2020, and was immediately loaned out to Eredivisie side Heerenveen.
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What has Jan Paul van Hecke done so far?
Van Hecke played 31 games on loan at Blackburn last season and impressed during his spell at Ewood Park. The 22-year-old beat the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz and Joe Rothwell to win the club's player of the season award. He became the first loan player to ever win the accolade.
Off the back of his stellar campaign at Blackburn, Van Hecke made his debut for the Netherlands Under-21s side in June. He featured off the bench in a 3-0 win over Moldova, before starting in their 6-0 victory against Gibraltar.
The Dutchman's start against Forest Green in the Carabao Cup was his first appearance for Brighton's first-team. He impressed in the middle of Brighton's back three, helping them to a clean sheet. He was on the bench for the Premier League games against Manchester United and Newcastle United.
What have people said about Jan Paul van Hecke?
Tony Mowbray signed Van Hecke on loan at Blackburn last August, and by March he was comparing the centre-back to an England legend.
"I've got to be careful I don't overbuild him as he's not our player," said Mowbray. "But he looks like Bobby Moore out there sometimes. It's amazing to watch how composed, how calm he can be, yet he has the fire of a warrior in belly.
“He’s good with the ball, he can pick a pass, he knows what he’s doing. He has wonderful attributes and needs to stay fit and focused.
“We’re delighted with him and I can see that he’s the type of guy who’s not particularly happy when he’s not in the team.
“I don’t think it’s a bad attribute to have a fire burning in your belly like JP has."
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