Jan Paul van Hecke has already discussed playing with Virgil van Dijk amid Liverpool links
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesTransfersThe Brighton star has been linked with a summer switch to Anfield, which would see him become the fifth Dutch international in Arne Slot's squad. Van Hecke has already shared his opinion of playing alongside Van DijkJan Paul van Hecke has spoken about playing alongside Virgil van Dijk amid speculation over a summer transfer to LiverpoolBrighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke has already given a glowing verdict on Virgil van Dijk amid rumors of a potential summer move to Anfield.Reports in the Netherlands have claimed Liverpool could look to sign the 25-year-old ahead of the new season, with Voetbal International claiming Arne Slot is a “big fan” of Van Hecke.It adds that contact has already begun ahead of a possible summer switch, with Van Hecke not planning to extend his current contract at the Amex, which expires in a little over 12 months' time.
The report states that both Tottenham and Chelsea have been linked with the center-back in the past, but describes a possible Anfield switch as a “dream transfer”.READ MORE: Liverpool told to target Premier League transfer for $41M ace who is like Ibrahima KonateREAD MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold makes bold Mohamed Salah statement before Liverpool exitIf Van Hecke were to complete a move this summer, he would team up with Van Dijk, his international colleague.Speaking to the Independent earlier this year, the former NAC Breda man said: “He [ Van Dijk] is really coaching a lot in the game.“If he goes for a duel, you almost know he’s going to win it. It makes it a bit easier for me to play next to him.”Van Hecke and Van Dijk could share a dressing next seasonVan Hecke has earned 10 Dutch caps and has been a regular in the squad since his maiden call-up in 2024.Should the Brighton star sign, it would increase the Liverpool contingent in Ronald Koeman’s squad to five, although only one of the current four - Jeremie Frimpong - was signed by Slot.Van Hecke’s availability at a modest cost may pique interest from Anfield, with market opportunities always a factor in the Reds’ transfer logic.Liverpool's Dutch contingent could increase to five(Image: Getty Images)That said, Liverpool is expected to begin the summer with five center-backs in its roster, given Ibrahima Konate recently confirmed he is likely to sign a new deal at the club.That leaves Konate, Van Dijk and Joe Gomez, along with youngsters Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet.With Gomez possibly set to depart this summer and the concerns over the fitness of the latter pair, that could influence Liverpool’s transfer actions.However, Van Hecke does not fit the age profile Liverpool usually targets for center-backs, and other areas of Slot’s squad are greater concerns heading into the window.Van Hecke has established himself as a reliable Premier League defender, making 128 appearances across the last four seasons.
He has played 37 times this term for the Seagulls, scoring three times.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.TransfersVirgil Van DijkBrighton