Why Spurs wonderkid Luka Vuskovic is Europe's most sought-after defender

Tom Weber

• Updated: 4 Feb 2026 14:40 GMT
• 6 min read

Analysis

Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic is making the fans of Bundesliga giants Hamburger SV dream this season.

People will tell you to never fall in love with a loan player, but that is easier said than done, especially when you have a generational talent like Vuskovic on your hands.

The 18-year-old joined HSV on loan from Tottenham in the summer and, despite never playing for the club before, it felt like a reunion. That is because Vuskovic's brother, Mario, is on the books at the Volksparkstadion.

Current ETV

Luka Vuskovic

D (C)

Hamburg

Luka Vuskovic

D (C)

Hamburg

€20M

ETV Range

€18M - €22M

View full profile

Mario, a hugely promising defender like his younger brother, hasn't played a competitive game of football since 2022 because of a doping ban that many HSV supporters view as questionable at best.

HSV have continued to support Mario as he has tried and failed to find legal recourse for his predicament. He will be given a new contract when his suspension expires in November. The situation has created a special bond with the Vuskovic family, a bond that has only become stronger due to Luka's exploits.

Vuskovic plays 'like he's been to three World Cups'

It was seen as a massive coup when HSV managed to sign the teenage centre-back on loan, but they were unable to include a purchase option in the deal. He remains part of Spurs' long-term plans, although he has yet to play for the club.

He was signed when he was 16 and has been out on loan since because he was unable to move to the UK before his 18th birthday. It's not far-fetched to say that he is ready to play for the North London club next season, but they will face a tough battle to keep him.

Vuskovic has been nothing short of sensational this season, which has attracted the attention of various top clubs, including Bayern Munich. At the weekend, the youngster put in a Man of the Match performance, which included a goal, as HSV held the Bavarians to a 2-2 draw.

Compatriot Ivan Rakitic has urged Bayern to sign him. “Right now, all of Europe is talking about him," he told Sky Germany. "Bayern have to step on the gas. I believe the lad has to go to Bayern. It is incredibly nice to see how such a young guy can shake up the football world.”

Rakitic has fully bought into the hype, and understandably so. He is far from the only one. 1990 Ballon d'Or winner Lothar Matthaus waxed lyrical about Vuskovic during and after the Bayern game.

"Fantastic! That's quality," he exclaimed when Vuskovic played Harry Kane offside with a perfectly timed move. "At 18, he plays as if he's already been to three World Cups. When I was 30, I didn't see what he sees at 18. This player is so intelligent."

The pundit continued after the game: "He played so cleverly. He's doing everything right. He could be really, really special. He already plays like a 24 or 25-year-old."

What makes Vuskovic so good?

Vuskovic, who stands at 6ft 4in, has won 69.4 per cent of his total duels this season and 77 per cent in the air. This not only makes him HSV's most reliable defender, these numbers are among the best in the Bundesliga.

He is good on the ball, completing 85.31 per cent of his passes, and dangerous on set pieces. He has scored four goals this season, making him the joint-most dangerous defender along with Union Berlin's Danilho Doekhi.

Such has been his meteoric rise that he was voted the best player of the first half of the Bundesliga season during the winter break, winning a remarkable 60 per cent of the vote - helped of course by the fact that HSV are a huge club with a massive fanbase.

The fact that Vuskovic has personality only adds to the allure. He talks the talk and walks the walk. Despite his youth, he isn't afraid to get into a scrap with players five, 10 or 15 years his senior.

He is also open about what he wants. Despite being a Tottenham player, he has made no secret of the fact that he would love to stay at HSV for another season to play alongside his brother once he returns from his ban.

This has made the club's fans dream that they could keep him beyond the summer. As things stand, though, that seems unlikely, but it is important to keep in mind that nobody expected HSV to be able to sign him in the first place.

They defied the odds once before, and it proved to be an inspired decision. If HSV can manage to stay in the Bundesliga - they are currently one point above the relegation playoff spot - they will have Vuskovic to thank. The sky is the limit for the teenager.

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