[Albion] Jan Paul van Hecke - contracted to June 2027

[Jimmy Grimble]

confirmed this morning by FB. Real shame and very bad luck.

FB?

 

[Kalimantan Gull]

There's nobody better
Than Jan Paul van Hecke........

Seriously impressive, his game is now at a level as good as any defender in the game. Great defensive play coupled with confident footwork and a real leader. You only have to watch his interviews at the awards night to see his leadership attributes. Any club would love to have him. I hope he's ours next year but he should be challenging for titles. He will one day.

 

[lawros left foot]

Did anyone else feel it was a bit ominous today after the game?

Him and Mitouma last to leave the pitch. A lot of chest thumping and almost kissing the badge.

I may have been completely wrong, I hope I am, but, it looked like both were saying goodbye.

 

[blockhseagull]

Did anyone else feel it was a bit ominous today after the game?

Him and Mitouma last to leave the pitch. A lot of chest thumping and almost kissing the badge.

I may have been completely wrong, I hope I am, but, it looked like both were saying goodbye.

Not really …. Both stood and clapped the fans, didn’t see any waving or anything that led me to believe anything is in the offing.

 

[Don Tmatter]

With Boscagli in and reported interest in the 2 Italian defenders, I fear the worst with JPvH, hope I’m wrong

 

[Johnny RoastBeef]

With Boscagli in and reported interest in the 2 Italian defenders, I fear the worst with JPvH, hope I’m wrong

So these are the players we've been linked with (or signed in Boscagli's case.)

I got Gemini to run a full report on the four of them. I'll give the hot takes first. Boscagli and Gila are ball playing CB's very much in the Lewis Dunk mold. Comuzzo and Coppola are warriors much like JPVH.

Our interest in these players may just be squad strengthening. But it does seem we are actively trying to prepare for life after both Dunk and Van Hecke. Typical of our usual succession planning.

For anyone who wants to know more about these targets, I'll post the full audio version of the report once it's generated. It's very extensive, Gemini researched 27 websites to produce a very impressive piece of research.

 

[Kalimantan Gull]

Did anyone else feel it was a bit ominous today after the game?

Him and Mitouma last to leave the pitch. A lot of chest thumping and almost kissing the badge.

I may have been completely wrong, I hope I am, but, it looked like both were saying goodbye.

If I was putting money on it I'd expect van Hecke sold for 80m+ and Mitoma for 50m-ish. I'd be surprised if either stay, possibly van Hecke if no-one stumps up the cash, but not sure why a big 6 team wouldn't.

Think most everyone else will stay, perhaps Enciso, Lamptey, Ferguson will be sold.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I hope Van Hecke stays. I see him as a future captain.

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

If I was putting money on it I'd expect van Hecke sold for 80m+ and Mitoma for 50m-ish. I'd be surprised if either stay, possibly van Hecke if no-one stumps up the cash, but not sure why a big 6 team wouldn't.

Think most everyone else will stay, perhaps Enciso, Lamptey, Ferguson will be sold.

Joao Pedro?

 

[Braggfan]

I hate to say it but I wouldn't be surprised if Van Hecke gets sold. He has been outstanding and clearly its been noticed. Having said that, our interest in multiple centre backs isnt necessarily proof that hes off. It wouldn't be the first time that we've been overstocked in that department. We could be planning for Dunks retirement and Van Hecke's departure but it doesn't necessarily mean that will happen immediately.

 

[Kalimantan Gull]

Joao Pedro?

Pretty sure he'll stay

 

[dazzer6666]

Did anyone else feel it was a bit ominous today after the game?

Him and Mitouma last to leave the pitch. A lot of chest thumping and almost kissing the badge.

I may have been completely wrong, I hope I am, but, it looked like both were saying goodbye.

No.

 

[Jim in the West]

I’m hoping this year Tony will take the approach he took after the play-off defeat to Sheff Weds, and really go for a top 5/6 place next season.
That means holding on to all the key players - with the likely exception of Mitoma (although it would be wonderful to keep him too!).

 

[Iggle Piggle]

Did anyone else feel it was a bit ominous today after the game?

Him and Mitouma last to leave the pitch. A lot of chest thumping and almost kissing the badge.

I may have been completely wrong, I hope I am, but, it looked like both were saying goodbye.

Exactly how I saw it. It wasn't quite an obvious goodbye as Enciso at Man Utd was but it wasn't far off.

 

[Munchkin]

JPVH will be our captain next season.

 

[Johnny RoastBeef]

So these are the players we've been linked with (or signed in Boscagli's case.)
View attachment 202662
I got Gemini to run a full report on the four of them. I'll give the hot takes first. Boscagli and Gila are ball playing CB's very much in the Lewis Dunk mold. Comuzzo and Coppola are warriors much like JPVH.

Our interest in these players may just be squad strengthening. But it does seem we are actively trying to prepare for life after both Dunk and Van Hecke. Typical of our usual succession planning.

For anyone who wants to know more about these targets, I'll post the full audio version of the report once it's generated. It's very extensive, Gemini researched 27 websites to produce a very impressive piece of research.

The audio report is taking forever to compile, but this guy would be my pick of the bunch, mainly because he's pacey. Here is the section of the report on Mario Gila.

He demonstrates high composure on the ball and shows a strong inclination to carry the ball out from the back, actively initiating attacks. This indicates confidence and technical ability in possession. He is described as a "very strong passer" with excellent passing accuracy (92% in Serie A, 91% in Europa League). His high volume of passes per 90 (65.96) places him in the 95th percentile , highlighting his central role in ball circulation. Gila possesses considerable pace both with and without the ball, which is a significant asset for recovery runs and playing a high defensive line. He also has excellent tackling ability, supported by strong EA FC ratings for Standing Tackle and Sliding Tackle. Furthermore, he exhibits good positioning and defensive awareness , and does not shy away from a challenge.
Gila's strengths paint a picture of a modern centre-back who is highly comfortable in possession and contributes significantly to build-up play, sharing similarities with Boscagli. This combination of pace, strong passing, and ball-carrying ability makes him highly effective in systems that play a high defensive line, emphasize quick transitions, or require defenders to progress the ball. This profile is highly valued in contemporary football, especially for teams employing possession-based or high-intensity pressing systems. However, his noted aerial weakness (discussed below) means he might be better suited for teams that do not frequently face direct aerial threats or where other defenders compensate for this. His ability to carry the ball out and start attacks suggests he could thrive as a wide centre-back in a back-three, as specifically noted by a Lazio supporter, indicating an optimal tactical role where his offensive contributions are maximized

 

[peterward]

The audio report is taking forever to compile, but this guy would be my pick of the bunch, mainly because he's pacey. Here is the section of the report on Mario Gila.

He demonstrates high composure on the ball and shows a strong inclination to carry the ball out from the back, actively initiating attacks. This indicates confidence and technical ability in possession. He is described as a "very strong passer" with excellent passing accuracy (92% in Serie A, 91% in Europa League). His high volume of passes per 90 (65.96) places him in the 95th percentile , highlighting his central role in ball circulation. Gila possesses considerable pace both with and without the ball, which is a significant asset for recovery runs and playing a high defensive line. He also has excellent tackling ability, supported by strong EA FC ratings for Standing Tackle and Sliding Tackle. Furthermore, he exhibits good positioning and defensive awareness , and does not shy away from a challenge.
Gila's strengths paint a picture of a modern centre-back who is highly comfortable in possession and contributes significantly to build-up play, sharing similarities with Boscagli. This combination of pace, strong passing, and ball-carrying ability makes him highly effective in systems that play a high defensive line, emphasize quick transitions, or require defenders to progress the ball. This profile is highly valued in contemporary football, especially for teams employing possession-based or high-intensity pressing systems. However, his noted aerial weakness (discussed below) means he might be better suited for teams that do not frequently face direct aerial threats or where other defenders compensate for this. His ability to carry the ball out and start attacks suggests he could thrive as a wide centre-back in a back-three, as specifically noted by a Lazio supporter, indicating an optimal tactical role where his offensive contributions are maximized

Thats all fantastic. But if you have access to this data so do all PL clubs.

Why would he choose Albion (with more limiting wage caps) than other options?

 

[dwayne]

JPVH will be our captain next season.

Yep I'm going with this. He was even trying to be the captain yesterday.

He's been told he's the captain next season and can go if a good offer season after.

 

[raymondo]

There's nobody better
Than Jan Paul van Hecke........

Seriously impressive, his game is now at a level as good as any defender in the game. Great defensive play coupled with confident footwork and a real leader. You only have to watch his interviews at the awards night to see his leadership attributes. Any club would love to have him. I hope he's ours next year but he should be challenging for titles. He will one day.

AND his mid and long range passing, vision, really excellent, has improved so much this season!

 

[Hiheidi]

If I was putting money on it I'd expect van Hecke sold for 80m+ and Mitoma for 50m-ish. I'd be surprised if either stay, possibly van Hecke if no-one stumps up the cash, but not sure why a big 6 team wouldn't.

He'll definitely be on radars, as surely will Milenkovic
and - for those keen on 'home grown options' - Guehi and Branthwaite