Incoming Tottenham signing Luka Vuskovic has already outshone future Arsenal rival Bukayo Saka before even setting foot in north London.
Spurs announced their agreement to sign the Hajduk Split wonderkid back in September 2023, though it was always agreed he would remain in Croatia for another two years. But his performances mean the transfer - understood to be worth £12million - will have left some Spurs fans wishing it could be brought forward.
The Daily Express reported how the central defender has showcased some serious goalscoring abilities while on loan at Belgian side Westerlo this season. Saka, 23, has netted five times in 16 Premier League appearances this term, while 18-year-old Vuskovic has found the back of the net seven times in the Belgian Pro League.
Those figures are impressive despite Saka being sidelined since Christmas due to a hamstring injury, not to mention playing in a much more challenging league. It's worth noting Spurs' impending arrival is barely of legal drinking age and playing in a team fighting for top-flight survival, with only forward Matija Frigan (eight) boasting more goals for Westerlo this term.
Not that it's hindered Vuskovic from hitting some remarkable scoring feats this season. After a stint on loan at Polish club Radomiak Radom last season - where he scored three times in 14 appearances - he has elevated his attacking contributions again.
The Croatia under-21 international scooped the Belgian Pro League's Goal of the Year award for 2024 thanks to his stunning Boxing Day bicycle kick against Club Brugge. The 6'4" teenager showed supreme acrobatic ability at just 17, and he isn't lacking in confidence ahead of this summer's big move.
During a recent interview with Voetbalkrant, he said: "Without being arrogant, I can say that I have shown sufficient qualities. Maybe I still have to work on my speed a bit more, although Mats Hummels shows that you can make a difference even without that speed."
"If I have made my debut at Tottenham, it will be fine. Is there a chance that I will stay at Westerlo? That has not been discussed yet."
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou's grip at Tottenham has firmed up notably after guiding Spurs to three consecutive wins, bumping them up to a more respectable 12th in the Premier League. While scoring hasn't been an issue - only Liverpool have netted more - Spurs' defensive woes persist as a thorn in their side.
The club has been hit with a defensive crisis this season, with centre-backs Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin all spending significant time on the sidelines. This has led to Archie Gray and Ben Davies stepping up to fill the void.
Winter loan signing Kevin Danso has also played a crucial role since his arrival. Spurs are reportedly set to shell out £21m to Lens for his permanent signature in the summer.
This could potentially limit Vuskovic's opportunities at Tottenham even more so next season due to the increased competition. However, Postecoglou might decide to retain the young defender to prevent a repeat of this season's defensive shortages.
The Spurs boss was unable to recall the Croatian defender back in January because, following the United Kingdom's EU exit in 2020, players from overseas are not allowed to join until they turn 18 so he'll have to wait until the summer to get a closer look at him.