Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to offer Luka Vuskovic a significant new contract in an attempt to retain the young centre-back amidst interest from Barcelona, according to Sky Germany. The move comes as Spurs solidify their plans for next season, following recent results that have placed their Premier League status largely in their own hands.
Vuskovic, 19, has spent the current season on loan at Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga, where he has impressed as a potential generational talent. The Croatian defender began playing first-team football at just 16 years old and has already attracted attention from several top European clubs.
The player is represented by Pini Zahavi, a superagent with a close relationship with Barcelona, who recently discussed a new contract for Hansi Flick, the club’s incoming manager, in Catalunya. Zahavi reportedly offered Vuskovic to Barcelona, who are keen on signing the defender, but a sale from Tottenham appears unlikely without a strong indication from the player that he wishes to move.
Spurs are reportedly willing to make Vuskovic one of their highest earners, despite him not yet having made a competitive appearance for the club, in order to secure his future. Florian Plettenberg reports the new contract would represent a “massive” pay rise for the defender. The club’s willingness to invest heavily in Vuskovic signals a strong belief in his potential.
Data from SciSports indicates Vuskovic has been one of the Bundesliga’s top centre-backs, a claim supported by scouting reports. However, analysts suggest his defensive style may be better suited to Tottenham’s tactical approach under Robert de Zerbi than to Barcelona’s, particularly given Hansi Flick’s preference for a high defensive line. SciSports’ analysis gives Tottenham a Club Fit rating of 77 out of 100, compared to Barcelona’s 66.
The potential departures of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could also create opportunities for Vuskovic to become a regular starter for Tottenham. A move to North London would offer the young defender a prominent role in a developing team, alongside a significant increase in wages.
