Brighton & Hove Albion are pleased to confirm the signing of Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke from NAC Breda on a three-year contract.
The 20-year-old joined Breda 2018 and is regarded as one of the best young defenders in the Netherlands.
Technical director Dan Ashworth said, “We have been tracking Jan Paul for quite a while and we’re delighted he has joined us.
“He’s a young talent, a powerful defender who is comfortable on the ball and good in possession.
“The plan now is that he will go out on loan to a club in Europe for the season to continue his development.
“The club’s loans department, led by David Weir, will monitor his progress closely over the course of the season.”