OFFICIAL - Vušković joins Brighton

Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the permanent signing of highly rated Croatian defender Luka Vušković from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 19-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with the Seagulls, which includes an option for Brighton to extend the deal by a further season. Neither club disclosed the transfer fee in its official announcement, although Sky Sports previously reported an agreement worth approximately £50 million, including £46 million up front and £4 million in add-ons. Tottenham are also reportedly protected by a 20 per cent sell-on clause and matching rights on a future offer.

Spurs initially agreed to sign him from Hajduk Split in 2023, but the defender did not officially join the north London club until July 2025 due to age restrictions.

He made an immediate impression during pre-season, recording a goal and an assist in a 2-0 victory over Reading. Vušković was subsequently included in Tottenham’s squad for the 2025 UEFA Super Cup and their opening two Premier League matches, but he did not make a competitive first-team appearance before leaving for Hamburg on loan.

That move to Germany transformed his reputation from exciting prospect to one of Europe’s most sought-after young defenders.

Vušković played 30 times in all competitions for Hamburg during the 2025/26 campaign and scored six goals, an exceptional return for a centre-back. He collected four Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards, was named the division’s overall Rookie of the Season and earned a place in its Team of the Year.

Albion head coach Fabian Hürzeler revealed that the club had closely followed Vušković’s progress and believes his performances in Germany have demonstrated that he can already operate at a high level.

“Last season he demonstrated he can play at a very high level,” Hürzeler said, while also stressing that Brighton must give the teenager sufficient time to settle into his new surroundings.

“Luka has enjoyed a fantastic start to his career - it’s one we’ve followed closely.

“Last season he demonstrated he can play at a very high level and we want to help him build on that within our environment.

“There’s been a lot of external noise about Luka joining us, but he is still a young guy who will need time to adjust to the demands of playing for Brighton and the Premier League. We are confident that he will take this in his stride though.”

The defender has already made six senior appearances for Croatia, scoring once, and started against England during this summer’s World Cup.