Luka Vuskovic has emerged as one of the most sought-after young defenders in European football after an impressive loan spell at Hamburg last season.
The 19-year-old Croatia international was signed by Tottenham Hotspur from Hajduk Split for £12m back in September 2023 and has since developed rapidly.
Vuskovic featured 28 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring six goals and keeping five clean sheets as Hamburg secured their place in the German top-flight.
His performances helped Merlin Polzin’s newly promoted side survive in Germany’s top division, earning Vuskovic a place in the team of the season.
Brighton have made no secret of their interest in the teenage centre-back, with Fabian Hürzeler looking to strengthen his defensive options this summer.
Football.london understands that Tottenham recently rejected a £35m bid from Brighton for Vuskovic, who has also attracted interest from Barcelona.
Former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood has now weighed in on the situation, urging Tottenham to prioritise the player’s development over any potential transfer fee.
“He’s a prospect, you know, they signed him for a reason,” Sherwood said on Sky Sports. “He’s sent him out on loan to Hamburg.”
“He’s done very well, played in a number of games, albeit it’s not in the Premier League, but there’s an opportunity, possibly if Brighton want him to loan him to Brighton, you may get a loan fee if they are interested in making money.”
Sherwood was clear that selling the player outright would be a mistake, arguing that modern transfer fees put the rejected bid into a different perspective entirely.
“But it should not be about making money. I mean, what is £30m these days? You get pub players for that. So I will be saying, do not take the money, let the kid have an opportunity.”
The former Spurs manager also called on Tottenham to back Roberto De Zerbi’s vision, pointing to the signings already made at Brighton this summer.
“But one thing I would say, trust Roberto De Zerbi. You know, Van Hecke he wants, go and get him for him. He’s brought Marcos Senesi in already. So you’ve got centre-halves there.”
Sherwood stressed that regular first-team football must remain the priority for Vuskovic, regardless of which club provides that opportunity next season.
“One thing Vuskovic himself will not want is to come into Tottenham Hotspur and not play on a regular basis. So if he’s not going to play, loan him out to Brighton.”
Hamburg have already made clear their desire to extend Vuskovic’s stay, with board member Eric Huwer speaking to German outlet Welt about the club’s hopes.
“If it were up to Luka, I think he would still like to experience the Hamburg atmosphere, the passion, and his development,” Huwer said.
“But we’re at best in the passenger seat. If the door opens even a crack, we’ll be there. We always dream. But market realities are, of course, quite different.”
With the World Cup this summer providing another major stage, Vuskovic will be determined to continue his impressive rise through European football.
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