According to Voetbal International, Liverpool have spoken directly with Van Hecke's representatives about a summer move, with Slot described as a significant admirer who attempted to take the 25-year-old to Feyenoord during his time as manager there. The contact is described as concrete, with sources close to the player confirming the approach.
Van Hecke has been one of Brighton's most consistent performers this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists in 32 Premier League starts — a contribution that has drawn attention from Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea as well as Liverpool. His contract runs until the summer of 2027, and Brighton are braced for bids this summer.
The club have made multiple attempts to convince him to extend his deal, all of which have been rejected. Brighton value him at around £50 million.
Liverpool's interest comes despite the club already having agreed a £55 million deal to sign French defender Jeremy Jacquet ahead of next season, and with Ibrahima Konaté expected to sign a contract extension. The logic of pursuing Van Hecke regardless reflects Slot's desire to build genuine depth at centre-back after a season in which the club were repeatedly stretched.
Summer signing Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury, Joe Gomez has had fitness problems, and Liverpool have leaned heavily on the Van Dijk-Konaté partnership with limited reliable cover behind them.
Van Hecke, who has won 58.7 per cent of his aerial duels in the Premier League this season and averages over six progressive passes per 90 minutes — placing him in the top five per cent of comparable players across Europe's top five leagues — fits the profile of a modern ball-playing defender Slot wants in his system. He is left-footed, composure under pressure is a strength, and his Premier League experience removes any adaptation risk.
Brighton's willingness to sell will depend on the fee. Tottenham and Chelsea both retain interest, and Newcastle United have also been linked, which could drive Van Hecke's price upward. Liverpool's advantage, if they are prepared to move quickly, is the pull of Champions League football and a project at the peak of its ambition.