Blackburn Rovers are interested in re-signing Brighton and Hove Albion’s Jan Paul van Hecke this summer, according to Alan Nixon.
Van Hecke, 22, spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
The Dutch defender featured in 31 league appearances, scoring once and assisting another from his natural centre-back position.
The young defender impressed Rovers supporters last season and his performances helped them to an 8th place finish last season. At one point it appeared likely Blackburn Rovers would finish inside the top-six, but it wasn’t to be and the Lancashire side are about to embark on a new era under Jon Dahl Tomasson.
The 46-year-old boss is about to manage his first season in England following a successful stint at Malmo. However, unfortunately, the Copenhagen-born manager has had a slow start to the transfer window.
Blackburn Rovers have only made one senior addition in Callum Brittain and with the season starting this week, they need players who won’t need to adapt to a new environment and van Hecke fits the bill.
Nixon has reported if the Seagulls make him available, Blackburn Rovers will be interested.
Would like him. If available. That’s still a big if. https://t.co/Fsq2J98JSY
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) July 25, 2022
A sensible move…
Van Hecke is proven at this level and because the Blackburn Rovers squad is largely the same as last year, barring the summer departures, he should slot straight in with no issues.
This deal may come down to Graham Potters’ stance on van Hecke. The Seagulls are known for their passing style and that requires every player, including the defenders top be comfortable on the ball, so if Potter doesn’t believe van Hecke is ready, another loan move may be on the cards. However, van Hecke’s contract expires next summer and if Brighton don’t plan on renewing his deal they’ll do their best to get a fee for the 22-year-old this summer.
Nixon’s update implies nothing is imminent and a deal isn’t yet on the table, so as things stand van Hecke won’t be a Blackburn Rovers player in time for their opening fixture against QPR this Saturday, but a lot can change in a short space of time in football and this deal is definitely one to keep an eye on.
