The next captain after Romero: Spurs agree personal terms to sign £70m star

Tottenham Hotspur are in desperate need of a successful summer transfer window to prevent a repeat of the two previous seasons in the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi’s immediate impact in North London saw the Lilywhites fend off any relegation threat and end the 2025/26 campaign in a measly 17th position.

However, it’s not the supporters’ first rodeo in witnessing their team struggle in England’s top flight, having finished in the exact same position 12 months prior.

As a result, this summer is a crucial period for the hierarchy as they aim to climb back up the table and mount a push for the European spots throughout 2026/27.

The recruitment team have been working tirelessly in recent days to secure the services of numerous players, with a breakthrough seemingly on the cards ahead of the window’s opening on Monday.

Spurs agree personal terms to sign £70m star this summer

Spurs’ hunt for added reinforcements this summer will certainly take them all across Europe, but additions from fellow Premier League clubs could also be a distinct possibility.

Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo is just one player to emerge as a potential target, with the Dutchman said to be open to leaving Anfield during the upcoming window.

A fee in the region of £60m has been mooted for the 27-year-old forward, who netted seven league goals during the most recent campaign in England’s top flight.

Gakpo isn’t the only Premier League player currently in their sights, as Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke has once again emerged on their shortlist.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have already agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old star ahead of a potential summer move to join the Lilywhites.

He also claims that talks are ongoing between the two sides, after Roberto De Zerbi’s men had their first offer rejected for the defender earlier in the week.

The Seagulls are demanding at least £70m to offload Van Hecke this window, but it remains to be seen how much the Lilywhites are willing to splash on his signature.

Why Van Hecke would be Spurs’ next captain after Romero

After the struggles in the Premier League last season, changes are expected at Spurs this window, with centre-back Cristian Romero one player who could be offloaded.

The Argentine has ruffled the feathers of the fanbase in recent months, as he’s refused to dismiss rumours linking him with a move away from North London.

However, it’s safe to say he’s not matched expectations in recent times, subsequently amassing 11 yellow and two red cards during the 2025/26 campaign.

His poor disciplinary record has undoubtedly cost the Lilywhites in key moments – something which has been deemed unacceptable, especially from the club’s captain.

Romero may well depart given the continued rumours over his long-term future, which could open the door for a new club-captain ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

A move for Van Hecke could provide the next captain, with the Dutchman’s quality and leadership at Brighton making him a key target for De Zerbi’s men this summer.

The 26-year-old has been a constant figure in Brighton’s recent Premier League rise, with his stats from the most-recent campaign highlighting the talent the defender possesses.

His phenomenal tally of 2198 passes completed last term ranked him in the top 3% of all players in the division – highlighting his composure with the ball at his feet.

De Zerbi’s system demands that players be comfortable in possession, which could see Van Hecke play a vital role in his attempts to lead the Lilywhites back up the Premier League.

Without the ball, the Dutch international has also caught the eye, subsequently winning 62% of his ground duels, whilst making 8.9 defensive contributions per 90.

No Spurs centre-back managed to win more ground duels per 90 than the Brighton star last season – further highlighting the added quality he would provide upon any move.

The agreement in personal terms is evidence that the player himself wants a move to North London – but it’s vital the Lilywhites hierarchy work tirelessly to satisfy the Seagulls’ demands.

£70m would be an astronomical fee for the defender, but it’s one that could hand De Zerbi the all-round top-level centre-back he’s currently hunting for.

There’s no reason why Van Hecke can’t be a success in North London, potentially being the perfect man to replace Romero and take the armband in the hunt for success.