Brighton's Improved Bid
Brighton & Hove Albion have tabled an improved offer worth £45 million including add-ons for Luka Vuskovic, as they look to prise the Croatian centre-back away from Tottenham Hotspur. Sky Sports News understands that the 19-year-old is keen on a move to the south coast, with his path at Spurs increasingly blocked following a flurry of defensive reinforcements under Roberto De Zerbi.
Vuskovic spent last season on loan at Bundesliga side Hamburg and is currently with the Croatia squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he featured in the 4-2 defeat to England. Despite his youth, he has already earned senior international recognition and is highly regarded across Europe.
Tottenham's Defensive Reshuffle
The improved Brighton bid comes just days after Spurs completed a £52 million deal for Seagulls defender Jan Paul Van Hecke. The Netherlands international, who had one year left on his contract, played under De Zerbi during his previous tenure at Brighton and now returns to work with the Italian coach in north London. Brighton secured a significant profit on Van Hecke, having originally signed him from NAC Breda for around £1.8m in 2020. Additionally, the Seagulls negotiated a 20% sell-on clause, protecting future value.
Van Hecke is Tottenham’s third signing of the De Zerbi era, following the free transfers of Marco Sensi and Andy Robertson. Alongside established starters Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, these additions push Vuskovic further down the centre-back pecking order, making a move increasingly likely.
Van de Ven Interest Adds Complexity
While Spurs are reshaping their defence, they also face a battle to keep Van de Ven. Barcelona are among a number of clubs monitoring the Netherlands international, who has held initial contract extension talks but with no agreement yet. Van de Ven has two years left on his deal, with Tottenham holding an option for a further 12 months. De Zerbi has publicly described him as “the best left-sided central defender in the Premier League”, underlining his importance to the club’s plans.
However, a potential Van de Ven sale could further complicate Vuskovic’s future, though the immediate priority appears to be offloading the Croatian to fund other business. Brighton are keen to reinvest the Van Hecke proceeds and view Vuskovic as a long-term building block for their defence.
Quick Facts
Improved bid: £45 million total package, including add-ons
Player stance: Vuskovic is reportedly keen on joining Brighton
Recent Spurs signing: Jan Paul Van Hecke arrived from Brighton for £52m
Van Hecke sale details: 20% sell-on clause inserted by Brighton
Vuskovic’s loan: Spent 2025/26 at Hamburg in the Bundesliga
Spurs’ other CBs: Romero, Van de Ven, Sensi, and now Van Hecke
Key Takeaways
- Brighton have made a second, improved £45m offer for Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic.
- The Croatia international, currently at the World Cup, is open to the move after seeing his path blocked by new arrivals.
- Tottenham recently signed Jan Paul Van Hecke from Brighton for £52m, including a 20% sell-on clause.
- Spurs’ defensive depth now includes Van Hecke, Sensi, Romero, and Van de Ven, pushing Vuskovic further down the order.
- Brighton are swiftly reinvesting the Van Hecke profit, targeting a young centre-back with high potential.
- Potential Van de Ven exit could still alter Tottenham’s stance, but Vuskovic’s departure appears increasingly likely.
