Latest news with #VanHecke
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Igor will have 'a lot of suitors wanting to take him' from Brighton
A number of clubs will try to sign defender Igor Julio this summer, according to the panel on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited made just 13 Premier League appearances because of injuries last season, and with Brighton linked to a number of defenders it might not be a surprise to see him head the other host Cantor believes a number of clubs will not be put off by his lack of game time."Igor will probably have a lot of interest in him. I know he's been unlucky with injuries, but at times we saw good - particularly during the European campaign and then a partnership with Van Hecke - before the injury."We always say he looks like he's playing with a cigar in his mouth, but actually he's a very capable player. He's not too old. There should be plenty of people happy to take him if Albion decide to sell him."Former Seagulls forward Warren Aspinall added: "He's got a good pedigree under his belt. When he plays for Brighton, he's been very good barring the Leicester game. "Since then, he's come back from injury and slotted in well. He can play as a left-back too, so I think there will be a lot of suitors wanting to take him."You can listen to the full chat here
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Joao Pedro clash with Van Hecke raises red flags ahead of a potential summer transfer
Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro was left out of the squad for the win over Liverpool due to a training ground bust-up with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, according to The Athletic. Pedro was to return to the starting XI following a three-game suspension, but was absent entirely from the Amex Stadium. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler cited private reasons for his omission, but the Athletic claimed that the Brazilian was involved in an altercation with Van Hecke. The bust-up reportedly happened in the week leading to the May 10 fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, while the 23-year-old was absent, Van Hecke started and played the full 90 minutes in both the Wolves and Liverpool matches. The incident occurred during a training session ahead of the trip to Molineux, which Pedro missed due to the final game of his suspension following a red card against Brentford in April. Pedro inexplicably escaped punishment for swinging an elbow at Brentford midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk in December. He also dodged another red card after jumping recklessly into Ipswich Town goalkeeper Christian Walton about a month later. Pedro remains Brighton's joint-top Premier League scorer this season with 10 goals. He is a talented and versatile forward Pedro has registered 30 goals and 10 assists in 70 appearances for Brighton, attracting the attention of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool. However, his temperament is now under the microscope when he has a big-money summer move on the cards. A violent conduct ban for the blatant foul on Nathan Collins of Brentford, the incident with Yarmolyuk, and an altercation with a teammate will fuel concerns about his discipline. That Van Hecke remained involved, and Pedro did not, suggests the blame lies squarely with the former Watford star. Elite clubs in the upper echelons of the Premier League table may hesitate when character questions overshadow output. Pedro is a top prospect, but his attitude could cost him a move to a top club.
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jan Paul Van Hecke vs. Liverpool FC – Player props & odds to score a goal on May 19
Jan Paul Van Hecke vs. Liverpool FC – Player props & odds to score a goal on May 19 [gambcom-standard rankid="4130" ] What are Jan Paul Van Hecke's odds of scoring a goal on Monday, May 19, when Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool FC meet? We break down the updated stats, trends, and odds for this game, which is set for 3:00 PM ET, in the article below. Last time out, Brighton picked up a 2-0 win away from home against Wolverhampton Wanderers despite being outshot by five in the match, 11 to six. Want to watch Jan Paul Van Hecke take on Liverpool FC? Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Liverpool FC is streaming live on Fubo! Jan Paul Van Hecke's Odds to Score a Goal vs. Liverpool FC Odds to score a goal next game: +1250 Soccer player prop odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 12:39 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. [gambcom-standard rankid="4142" ] Jan Paul Van Hecke's 2024-25 Stats Looking at expected goals, Van Hecke (0.2 xG) has almost matched his actual goal tally (one). So far in the 2024-25 season, he has taken 12 shots (0.4 per match), with five being on target. Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Liverpool FC Scoring Insights In the Premier League, Brighton has put up 59 goals in 36 games (eighth in league), and Liverpool has conceded 37 in 36 matches (second). Liverpool is first in the Premier League in goals scored (83 overall, 2.3 per game), and Brighton is 13th in goals conceded (56 overall, 1.6 per game). Brighton is 10th in the Premier League in goal differential at +3. Liverpool has outscored opponents 83-37, and its +46 goal differential is first in the Premier League. Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Liverpool FC Match Info Matchup: Brighton vs. Liverpool Brighton vs. Liverpool Time: 3:00 PM ET 3:00 PM ET Date: May 19, 2025 May 19, 2025 Venue: American Express Community Stadium American Express Community Stadium Live stream: Watch this game on Fubo Watch Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Liverpool FC on Fubo More Player Props: [gambcom-standard rankid="4338" ]
Japan Forward
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Osaka Marvelous Outplay NEC Red Rockets in SV.League Women's Finals
The Marvelous led the with a 37-7 record in the 2024-25 season and secured the title with a determined effort against the Red Rockets. The Osaka Marvelous celebrate after winning the Championship Finals women's title on May 3, 2025, at Ariake Arena. (© Throughout the 2024-25 women's volleyball season, Osaka Marvelous opposite Lise Van Hecke played an instrumental role in the team's success, smashing the ball over the net for points on a consistent basis. Marvelous fans will remember the totality of her team-leading 567 points, including 468 on attack, in the regular season. But Van Hecke's title-clinching point in the Championship Finals will probably remain in their collective memory even longer. Van Hecke delivered the final blow with a hard-hit spike at Ariake Arena on Saturday evening, May 3 against the NEC Red Rockets Kawasaki as the Marvelous completed a sweep in the best-of-three series. Osaka won the second match 25-21, 25-21, 21-16. The thrill of victory was a recurring theme throughout Van Hecke's interactions with reporters after the match. "I think it's always an amazing feeling when you win a title and to be the first in history, it makes it only more beautiful," the Belgian star said. "We're very happy, I'm very proud. It's been a long season, but to finish it like this, it's the best way and I think we showed everyone we deserve to be the champion." On Friday night, the Marvelous triumphed 25-14, 25-10, 25-21, grabbing momentum from the get-go in the opening set (an 8-0 lead). Marvelous players celebrate a point in the championship finals on May 3. (© In 2024, the Red Rockets captured their second consecutive title in the (the predecessor), beating the Marvelous in the finals. This time, Osaka's supremacy during the regular season (a league-best 37-7 record) maintained form in the playoffs. Van Hecke and Marvelous captain Mizuki Tanaka led the club with 13 and 11 attack points, respectively, in Saturday's match. Outside hitter Kotona Hayashi registered nine kills and Sachi Minowa contributed seven to bolster the team's attack at the net. Osaka Marvelous opposite Lise Van Hecke competes for a point against the NEC Red Rockets on May 3. (© After exchanging hugs and high-fives with her teammates after the match, Tanaka shared her insights on what it took for the Marvelous to complete their title quest. "This was a chance to get revenge for last year, and since NEC is a strong team, I'm happy that we were able to win the championship in two matches against them," the 29-year-old outside hitter who was named Finals MVP told reporters. "So many people supported us and pushed us forward. "We're glad that we were able to express that properly on the court. As for what went well, there was, of course, a team strategy for our offense, but in the end, what matters is how the spiker finishes the play when the ball is entrusted to them." Marvelous captain Mizuki Tanaka holds the championship trophy. (©SANKEI) In addition to its slight edge in attack points (47-33), Osaka owned an 8-3 advantage in blocks, led by Minowa with three. Ameze Miyabe and Haruka Oyama contributed two apiece. Teamwork was a defining characteristic of the Marvelous' season, according to Minowa, who hails from the Philippines. "Everyone really did a great job today and I think how we prepared to come here, I think my team really deserves it," she said. "There's always a lot of ups and downs but I can see with the eyes of my teammates and how we work hard on the practice, I don't see any doubt for my team." Added Minowa, whose maiden name is Jaja Santiago, "I think serve was the key to break the attack of NEC. They really have a lot of good attackers and by serving and giving pressure, I think we can control everything." Strong serving did pay off for the Marvelous, who had 73 attempts and only three service errors. Marvelous head coach Daisuke Sakai credited his players for their cohesiveness in pursuit of success. "Even though it wasn't a perfect season, seeing the team perform like this today was the result I wanted," Sakai said, "and I think it's something we need to build on and continue. I'm grateful for everything that's been achieved so far, and I'd like to thank the company as well." Title-winning coach Daisuke Sakai (©SANKEI) Sakai added, "It's important that we've been working on creating a system that allows the team to be more adaptable and responsive, both in defense and offense. The players themselves have been implementing what we've practiced, so it's a lot about improving and checking those details." Marvelous outside hitter Kotona Hayashi in action. (©SANKEI) Just like in the opening set, the second set was an intense clash between Osaka and NEC. Outside hitter Yoshino Sato and frontcourt mate Lorrayna Marys da Silva helped the Red Rockets pull ahead, and teammate Yukiko Wada gave them a 13-10 lead on a well-executed attack. And then, faster than it takes to eat an ice cream cone, it was 13-13 in Game 2. Neither team could grab a decisive lead as they traded points in rapid succession. Red Rockets player Yoshino Sato attacks at the net. (©SANKEI) But Osaka regained its edge and closed out the second set on a point by Oyama. In the third set, after the score was knotted at 12-12, the Marvelous gained the upper hand and pulled away. Van Hecke shattered the tie with a dynamic play at the net to make it 13-12. Marvelous setter Mina Higashi (©SANKEI) Moments later, it was 20-13 and the Red Rockets' chances of extending the match to a fourth set appeared insurmountable. When it was over, Red Rockets head coach Takayuki Kaneko said his team had a better overall performance than it did on Friday, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Marvelous. "Yesterday, after suffering such a frustrating and one-sided defeat, we reflected thoroughly on what we needed to do and entered today's match with a clear mindset," Kaneko told reporters. "I think there were moments when we were able to show our true style. We'll take this to heart and move forward." NEC had a 30-14 record in the regular season. Sato led the Red Rockets with 14 attack points. JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK | Tops 1 Million in Attendance in 2024-25 Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Newcastle Target Brighton Star as Centre-Back Search Continues
Newcastle Eye Van Hecke as Guehi Alternative in Transfer Hunt Newcastle United's summer recruitment drive is beginning to take shape, with fresh reports linking the Magpies to Brighton's impressive Jan Paul van Hecke. Credit to GiveMeSport, who highlighted the club's growing interest as Eddie Howe searches for a new centre-back. Photo IMAGO According to Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Newcastle's admiration for Van Hecke is longstanding, with the Dutch defender impressing across a demanding Premier League season. Having previously chased Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi — and baulking at the £70 million asking price — Newcastle now seem intent on finding a more financially viable option. Photo: IMAGO Van Hecke Gaining Admiration Van Hecke, 24, has quietly built an excellent reputation at Brighton. Described as 'sensational', he has become a mainstay in Fabian Hurzeler's side and shown the kind of resilience and technical proficiency that would suit Howe's evolving defensive set-up. Advertisement The report claims, 'Newcastle are tracking Van Hecke and could battle it out with Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen, who are also interested.' With only two years left on his contract, and Brighton eager to tie him down, Newcastle may need to act swiftly. Photo IMAGO Competition and Considerations The potential return of Lloyd Kelly from Juventus complicates matters slightly, but not enough to alter Newcastle's pursuit. 'Kelly's loan included an obligation to buy if Juventus finish in a European spot, and the club will assess the situation come the end of the season.' Regardless, a new centre-back remains high on Howe's agenda. Advertisement With other targets such as Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande valued at eye-watering figures, Van Hecke's relative affordability, coupled with his growing Premier League pedigree, makes him an intriguing prospect. Photo IMAGO Focus on Building a Stronger Squad Newcastle's aim is clear: build a squad capable of challenging at the top end consistently. Adding a player with Van Hecke's mix of potential and proven quality would certainly fit that mould. Our View – EPL Index Analysis Van Hecke has been outstanding for Brighton, and the fact he's described as 'sensational' says it all. He's not just a solid defender; he's calm on the ball, intelligent, and tough enough to deal with Premier League forwards week in, week out. Advertisement With the way Eddie Howe sets up — high defensive line, aggressive pressing — Van Hecke would fit in brilliantly. He's proven he can handle top-flight football, and at 24, his best years are still ahead of him. Let's be honest, trying to splash £70 million on players like Guehi or Diomande isn't where Newcastle need to be right now. They need value, smart business, and a player hungry to kick on at a bigger club. Van Hecke looks ready for that. Brighton won't let him go easily, but if Newcastle are serious about kicking on next season, especially with European football on the horizon again, this is exactly the sort of signing that gets them closer to the top four.
