The Tottenham defender could be the subject of a tug-of-war between Brighton and Barcelona.
On Thursday evening, Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of Brighton and Hove Albion star Jan Paul van Hecke. The Dutchman has become the third defender to arrive at the club this summer, after the acquisitions of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.
It is apt to view Jan Paul van Hecke’s signing as a potential replacement for skipper Cristian Romero, whose valuation has changed amid rising European interest. At the same time, Luka Vuskovic has dropped further down the defensive pecking order.
Tottenham have recently turned down Brighton’s second bid worth around £35million for Luka Vuskovic. The Seagulls are set to come up with another offer, probably their final one for the Croatian talent, who spent the last season on loan at SV Hamburger in the Bundesliga. He made 30 appearances for Hamburg and registered seven goal contributions, and his impressive loan spell led to him being called up to the Croatia squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The teenager started in Croatia’s embarrassing 4-2 defeat to England in their World Cup opener on Wednesday. While he was substituted at the hour mark, it hasn’t stopped clubs vying for Luka Vuskovic’s signature.
Barcelona approaches Luka Vuskovic’s agent
According to Spanish newspaper Sport (h/t Sport Witness), Barcelona have made contact with the agent of Vuskovic. They have told the representative to keep them informed of the developments over the central defender’s future.
Tottenham rejecting two Brighton bids means Barcelona are now well aware that we won’t sell our prized asset easily. The report adds that the North Londoners are clear in their stand: Vuskovic won’t leave for less than €60m. This valuation could be difficult for the Catalan giants to fork out, especially after splashing over €80m for Anthony Gordon earlier this month.
Brighton is unwilling to meet Tottenham’s ‘asking price’ for Luka Vuskovic.
Brighton ‘want a compromise’ over Vuskovic because they are ‘not willing to pay Tottenham’s £60m asking price’.
– As per Football Insider#THFC #COYS #SPURS #TOTTENHAM pic.twitter.com/q1K68kWjiu
— Gary Ward (@GaryRWard) June 18, 2026
Although Vuskovic is yet to make a competitive appearance for Spurs, he made clear in May that regular minutes remain a priority as he continues his development. After a strong loan spell in the Bundesliga, he is definitely not going to warm the benches of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Thus, it is understandable why the big Croat wants to leave the club.
Despite agreeing on personal terms with Brighton, it would not shock anyone if Vuskovic tilts towards joining Barcelona if they make a concrete effort to sign him. The chance to become a part of such a historic club, play regularly in the Champions League, and compete for major trophies will always hold more appeal. That said, it remains to be seen whether the Spanish champions table an offer for Croatia’s rising star.