Brighton & Hove Albion have announced that defender Jan Paul van Hecke has signed a new contract that runs until June 2027.

The 23-year-old began his career in his native Netherlands with NAC Breda before joining the Seagulls in September 2020.

Van Hecke then gained valuable experience on loan at Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers, winning the Player of the Year award with the latter club in 2021-22, before returning to Brighton where he has established himself as a first-team regular under Roberto De Zerbi.

The centre-back featured 15 times for the Seagulls last season and has since made 17 appearances in all competitions this term, including 15 starts.

As well as playing the full 90 minutes in nine of his 11 games in the Premier League, Van Hecke started five of Brighton's six Europa League group-stage matches, helping De Zerbi's side keep three clean sheets in the process.

Van Hecke extended his Brighton contract in July, but the club decided not to announce the length of his deal.

However, just five months later, Van Hecke has agreed fresh terms on a new four-year contract extension, much to the delight of both De Zerbi and technical director David Weir.

"I'm very happy for the new contract of JP. He deserves it. He's becoming a great, great player," De Zerbi told Brighton's official website.

Weir added: "JP is a key player for us, putting in consistent performances and dealing with the demands of Thursday-Sunday football.

"He's not only a great player and person, but has trusted the plan we had in place for him on arrival and now we are all reaping the benefits."

Van Hecke's new deal comes just over a week after De Zerbi confirmed that he is in talks with Brighton to extend his contract beyond June 2026.

Brighton's No.29 is in contention to start in defence for Brighton when they travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday. body check tags ::