“Newcastle United’s SHOCKING £27M Move for Brighton Star Will Leave You SPEECHLESS – You Won’t Believe Why It’s TOTALLY INSANE!”
Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to open talks with Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke over a potential summer move.
However, the situation raises significant concerns, particularly in relation to their interest in another Brighton star, João Pedro.
While Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi remains Newcastle’s top defensive target, the club is also considering alternatives, leading to van Hecke’s name resurfacing.
Journalist Charlie Haffenden, writing for 3 Added Minutes, claims that Newcastle have initiated discussions with the Dutch defender’s representatives.
Given previous links between van Hecke and Newcastle, this is plausible—but it introduces complications.
Haffenden reports that Brighton are reluctant to part ways with van Hecke and would demand a fee well above his £27 million valuation on Transfermarkt.
Nevertheless, he believes talks are genuinely underway. Van Hecke would undoubtedly strengthen Eddie Howe’s defensive options, but his potential arrival raises questions about the club’s concurrent interest in João Pedro.
The two Brighton players were reportedly involved in a training-ground bust-up that resulted in Pedro being dropped for the final two games of the season.
This casts serious doubt on the feasibility of both players joining Newcastle in the same transfer window.
Bringing both to St James’ Park could risk disrupting squad harmony, particularly given Pedro’s recent disciplinary issues.
He previously served a three-match ban for an elbowing incident and was later dropped by Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler after the altercation with van Hecke.
With tensions still fresh, signing both players could be unwise. It’s possible Newcastle will need to choose between the two.
Van Hecke offers defensive solidity, while Pedro would add attacking flair—but his temperament may be a concern for Howe, who places high value on squad unity.
Ultimately, Newcastle will need to assess which target aligns best with their long-term goals.
The likelihood of both players making the switch seems low, and it remains to be seen which one, if either, the Magpies prioritise as the transfer window unfolds.
