“I sent a message”: De Zerbi reveals message that convinced Tottenham’s new signing

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that he urged Jan Paul van Hecke to join the club during the summer transfer window. 

Tottenham signed the former Brighton star earlier this summer, and De Zerbi has now revealed how he messaged the defender to join the club after Brighton’s match against Everton.

De Zerbi revealed to The Athletic: “With JP (Van Hecke), after the Everton game, I sent the message ‘F*ck off, you wanted to push down Tottenham for Brighton when you made the assist to Georginio Rutter, now you have to come to me, yes or yes, you have no choice!’ After the game, in my office at Tottenham Stadium, I sent a message to my daughter, and then JP.”

Van Hecke has been excellent for Brighton, and he should prove to be a quality signing for Tottenham as well. Cristian Romero has been heavily linked with an exit, and they need to replace him properly.

Van Hecke has played under De Zerbi in the past, and he should be able to settle in quickly and make an immediate impact. He is well-settled in English football as well.

Tottenham looked quite mediocre at the back last season, and they need to tighten up at the back. Van Hecke will certainly help him in that area. He could form a solid partnership at the back with his compatriot Micky van de Ven.

Tottenham have been very active in the market this summer, and they have signed players like Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Andy Robertson, and Marcos Senesi as well. After barely surviving relegation last season, they will be desperate to bounce back. Quality signings will help them get back on track.