Vuskovic moves from Tottenham to Brighton for around 54 million euros – Club records its third record transfer in a row

For the 19-year-old, it is the next step in a steep career. Vuskovic had most recently been loaned out from HSV to the Spurs and developed into an absolute key player at Hamburger SV within a short time. In the past Bundesliga season, the center-back scored six goals in 28 games for the Hanseaten as a defender and played a significant part in the North German traditional club's survival.

Coach Fabian Hürzeler expressed his delight about the new signing. "Luka hat einen fantastischen Karrierestart hingelegt – den wir aufmerksam verfolgt haben. In der vergangenen Saison hat er gezeigt, dass er auf sehr hohem Niveau spielen kann, und wir möchten ihm helfen, darauf in unserem Umfeld aufzubauen," Hürzeler said in a club statement about the center-back.

Hürzeler urges patience

At the same time, the coach called for patience: "Es gab viel Aufsehen um Lukas Wechsel zu uns, aber er ist noch ein junger Spieler, der Zeit brauchen wird, um sich an die Anforderungen bei Brighton und in der Premier League zu gewöhnen." Hürzeler added: "Wir sind jedoch zuversichtlich, dass er das mit Bravour meistern wird."

Vuskovic receives a five-year contract on the English South Coast with an option for a further season. The contract thus runs until 2031 with the option of an additional year. Included in the deal, according to British media reports, are also a 20 percent sell-on clause and a matching right for Tottenham in the event of a possible future transfer.

Vuskovic among the most expensive young defenders

Viewed historically, the transfer joins a series of exceptional sums for young defenders. Before Vuskovic, a fee of over 50 million euros for a defender under 20 had been paid only twice in football history: First, Matthijs de Ligt moved from Ajax Amsterdam to Juventus Turin in 2019 for 85.5 million euros, followed by Leny Yoro, who went from Lille to Manchester United in 2024 for 62 million euros. The youngster's market value had already been at around 60 million euros since March.

Third record transfer for Brighton

At Brighton, the Croatian is already the third record signing in quick succession. Only in the summer of 2024/25 had midfielder Mateus Fernandes pushed the record up to 99 million euros, before Rutter replaced him and is now in turn surpassed by Vuskovic. Brighton's investments underline the club's sporting ambition to further establish itself in the English top flight after two strong Premier League seasons.

For Tottenham, the sale brings important revenues after costly signings already made. The Spurs had had to battle against relegation for a long time in the previous season, which is why the signing of Vuskovic for almost 54 million euros in 2023 had been made, among other things, with a view to a later resale. With the transfer profit now realized, the North Londoners can further advance their squad planning.