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SportsTottenham confirm Jan Paul van Hecke to wear No.6 shirt for 2025/26 season
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Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke will wear the number 6 jersey for the 2025/26 season, following his transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion. The number was previously worn by Joao Palhinha during the 2025/26 season and has historical significance at the club, including being worn by Gary Mabbutt. Van Hecke, signed under head coach Roberto De Zerbi, is expected to anchor Tottenham's defensive line. The official announcement came via a club media release, with fans anticipating his debut campaign at Hotspur Way.
Source report
The imposing Dutch centre-back has officially received his squad number ahead of a highly anticipated debut campaign at Hotspur Way.
Following a June transfer from Brighton and Hove Albion, Jan Paul van Hecke will wear the vacant number 6 jersey — previously held by João Palhinha — throughout the upcoming domestic campaign.
A New Defensive Anchor
Securing an established Premier League centre-half represents a significant move for Tottenham's boardroom. The defender arrives with considerable expectations after several standout performances on the south coast. Supporters are eager to see him command the defensive line alongside his new teammates.
Head Coach Roberto De Zerbi is said to value van Hecke's distribution skills highly.
"We can now confirm the precise shirt number that he will proudly wear for the football club," an official Tottenham media release stated.
The number 6 jersey carries notable recent history. Before Palhinha's temporary midfield stint, Radu Dragusin wore the number before switching to the number 3 shirt.
Tactical Integration
Integrating into De Zerbi's demanding tactical system remains the priority for the newest arrival. Van Hecke is already familiar with the precise tactical demands expected by the Italian head coach. Maintaining concentration will be key to his success during this career step.
Everyone connected to the club expects immediate defensive stability. Fans anticipate relentless aggression from the newly crowned number 6 whenever he takes the pitch. Delivering clean sheets remains the ultimate objective as preparations intensify at Tottenham's Enfield training base.
This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.
Source
Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
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Jan Paul van Hecke to Wear Number 6 Jersey for Tottenham Hotspur in 2025/26 Season