Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost this summer with talented teen Luka Vuskovic focussed on the World Cup and not a transfer.
Spurs surprisingly allowed the wonderkid out on loan to Hamburg last season despite his obvious ability.
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Who is Luka Vuskovic?
After loans at Radomiak Radom and Westerlo, the 19-year-old finally completed a £12million transfer from Hajduk Split last summer.
On his debut in a pre-season friendly with Reading he got a goal and an assist, impressing his new fans, who lauded him as a generational talent.
He was then, however, only an unused substitute in the UEFA Super Cup final and games with Burnley and Man City.
A loan deal was then agreed for him to join his brother Mario, currently serving a doping ban, at Hamburg.
How did Luka Vuskovic do at Hamburg?
Across the campaign in the Bundesliga, Vuskovic has impressed everyone watching his displays.
He won the Rookie of the Month award in September, October, January and March, while he also won Goal of the Year for 2025 and was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.
His Goal of the Year strike was a backheel winner from a free-kick against rivals Werder Bremen, no less.
Transfer interest from top clubs has been cropping up with Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl highlighting his talent before admitting they might not be able to sign him.
What has Luka Vuskovic said?
Asked about his future ahead of the World Cup, which he will play in with Croatia, he insisted he won’t be considering it for now.
He said: “Well, honestly, I don’t know anything yet. I haven’t talked to any clubs or agents, so I’m just focused on the World Cup now, and after the World Cup, whatever happens, I think every option is a good path for me, so I don’t need to think too much about anything.”
eSPORTY understands Tottenham are looking to offer him a new contract and do not consider him for sale.
Vuskovic retains his dream of playing with his brother at Hamburg but doesn’t seem hopeful of it happening.
What did Luka Vuskovic say about Roberto De Zerbi?
However, he did also seem excited to experience life under new manager Roberto De Zerbi.
In a different interview with Nova TV, he said: “Playing with my brother at HSV would be a dream and a dream come true for me, but it’s hardly possible. I don’t know what else to say except – impossible.
“I think he’s [De Zerbi] a top-class coach. He likes attacking football, he likes build-up play, and I really like that. I hope we’ll work well together in the future.”
eSPORTY’s Luka Vuskovic verdict
Towards the end of the season, European football expert Andy Brassell even told Tottenham to rebuild the squad around him.
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“He’s been one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga this season,” he told eSPORTY.com.
“He’s been the difference between Hamburg staying up and going down.
“A teenager to have the leadership qualities he has, as well as the positional sense, the strength, the sangfroid, it’s quite remarkable.
“When you look at Tottenham next season, it feels to me that when they have a bit of a rethink, I think they’re more likely to include Vuskovic in the team than use him as collateral.
“He would be a great part of a Tottenham refresh. For them to have more leaders is a great thing, and he’s definitely one of those.
“But the way he was talking after that game [against Freiburg] was really interesting, he said, ‘It’s 99 per cent my last game here.’
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“So, of course, there’s a little bit of him that would love to go back there and play with [his older brother] Mario and have a very good ending at Hamburg, but I think he’s realised that he’s kind of outgrown the club.
“He knows that other Bundesliga clubs and other big Bundesliga clubs would be interested, like Bayern and [Borussia] Dortmund and not limited to Germany.
“He’s realised that in the real world it’s just not possible for him to stay at Hamburg. He’s just too good to stay there.
“He does have this contract with Spurs, and he’s got an opportunity to really do something with them.
“I wonder if his changing his tone is A getting to the end of the season or B whether De Zerbi has had a word with him already, or someone has had a word on De Zerbi’s behalf.
“That would not surprise me at all, someone who’s a great defender but is confident on the ball as well.
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“I think he would be a massive, massive plus for Spurs next season.
“If you’re looking to make collateral, sell someone else because he’s got a terrific future ahead of him, and injury notwithstanding, you bring Vuskovic back, play him, and the sky’s the limit.
“You’d be able to sell him for more in 2-3 years time if you wanted to.
“Ideally, I suppose he becomes a cornerstone for Spurs over the next 6-8 years, but I think you have to be realistic and say he’s got a market value as well.
“Clearly, there’s going to be a bit of a rebuild there, but there’s definitely other players I’d rather sell than him.”
Tottenham transfer update
Vuskovic is not the only transfer situation at Tottenham right now with another loan star the subject of interest.
Record-breaking talent Alfie Devine is in the middle of uncertainty surrounding his future.
The club’s youngest-ever goalscorer impressed on loan at Preston North End in the Championship this season with eight goals and eight assists.
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According to Football.London eight clubs are interested in signing him permanently.
Preston had agreed an option to sign the 21-year-old but they will face competition with teams, including Scottish champions Celtic and relegated Wolves keen.
Meanwhile, the club are also on the verge of signing Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively.
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