Manchester United have been handed a golden chance to sign Luka Vuskovic as the 19-year-old defender’s future with Tottenham Hotspur is growing more uncertain by the day, according to a new report.
Croatian Colossus
Signed in 2023 from Hajduk Split in a deal worth around £12 million, Vuskovic was only eligible to arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last summer.
The 6’4 centre-back joined then-manager Thomas Frank’s side on their pre-season tour, with plans for him to play a back-up role to the first-choice pairing, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. However, the Croatia international – set for a major role for his country at the World Cup this month – wanted more guaranteed minutes and requested a loan towards the end of the window.
A season-long loan was then agreed with German side Hamburger SV, which has proved an astute decision as he has thrived at the Volksparkstadion in a superb individual campaign.
Despite his adopted side struggling as a collective, Vuskovic was named in the EA Sports Bundesliga Team of the Year, having produced displays which belie his age. This led one scout to describe him as one of the “most dominant young defenders” in Europe.
A potent pairing of size and strength, with surprising speed for such an imposing frame, makes him a force to be reckoned with in the air, as shown by an impressive return of six goals, and in ground duels. But he also demonstrates the ability to play out from the back, with the “vision to identify progressive options” and make line-breaking passes forward – a key attribute for a ‘modern’ centre-back.
A Big-Money Exit Gathers Pace
Initially, it is understood the plan was for Vuskovic to return to north London and fight for a place in Tottenham’s starting eleven. Romero and Van de Ven have been linked with moves away, with United said to have explored deals for both.
The Croatian starlet appears a readymade replacement, having already shown a skillset which suggests he could develop into an even better defender than either of his senior teammates. However, Roberto De Zerbi – appointed as manager in March to rescue Tottenham from relegation, which the Italian did on the last day of the season – is pushing for more experience in his backline.
AFC Bournemouth’s 29-year-old centre-back, Marcos Senesi, and Liverpool’s 32-year-old stalwart, Andy Robertson, are both set to join on free transfers. Senesi was a target under consideration at Old Trafford, though Harry Maguire’s contract renewal has shifted the attention towards a younger option – such as Vuskovic.
De Zerbi is not stopping there, however. A £40 million bid has been tabled to reunite him with Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, the 25-year-old Netherlands international, with talks between the two clubs ongoing.
If successful, this would leave Tottenham Hotspur with four experienced centre-backs either in, or approaching, their prime – and no room for Vuskovic to establish himself in De Zerbi’s squad. Consequently, Gianluigi Longari reveals the youngster is “open to leaving” this summer, putting Bayern Munich and “top Premier League clubs” on red alert.
Translated Tweet: “Luka Vuskovic would be open to leaving Tottenham this summer. Bayern Munich and other top Premier League clubs are closely monitoring his profile with interest and have made initial contact for details on a possible deal. Preliminary stages.”
Final Thoughts
While the Italian journalist does not specify which one of England’s elite is eyeing a raid on their rival, United’s interest is well-documented and INEOS are always on the hunt for the best young talent from across the globe.
A new centre-back is not considered an urgent priority in M16 due to the number of options in Michael Carrick’s squad. But this depth is something of an illusion, given the injury concerns of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, as well as the ageing Maguire.
United are understood to be paying close attention to the market for a suitable successor for the 33-year-old Englishman. Vuskovic, a 6’4 behemoth who is a magnet for the ball, would be the perfect candidate.
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