Brighton agree £50m deal to sign Tottenham World Cup star

Fabian Hurzeler will have a new defender in his squad next season (Picture: Getty Images)

Brighton

have agreed a deal that could be worth up to £50million for

Tottenham

Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic, who has never played for Spurs.

The 19-year-old joined Spurs from Hajduk Split in the summer of 2025 but moved to Hamburg on loan for last season.

The centre-back impressed for the German club over 30 appearances in all competitions and has earned a place in the Croatia team.

The teenager became the youngest player to turn out for Croatia in a

World Cup

when he faced

England

in the opening group stage game in America.

A defender with a bright future, but it will be at Brighton and not Spurs after Tottenham accepted a bid worth an initial £46m, with £4m in add-ons.

It is a remarkable deal for a player that Tottenham only spent around £12m on and has never played for the club.

Spurs will also have a 20 per cent sell-on clause and matching rights for any future move for the Croatian.

Luka Vuskovic starred for Hamburg last season (Picture: Getty Images)

The signing is a coup for Brighton, given that the

Daily Mail

reported that both

Bayern Munich

and Barcelona were interested in Vuskovic.

The Seagulls made an initial bid of £30m but it was turned down before their significantly improved offer.

They have spent slightly less on Vuskovic than they have sold Jan Paul van Hecke for this summer, with the Dutchman going to Spurs for £52m.

Brighton have also signed another centre-back this week, bringing in Pascal Struijk from Leeds for £20m.

Vuskovic started for Croatia against England at the World Cup (Picture: Getty Images)

The teenager received high praise from Hamburg boss Merlin Polzin during his spell in the Bundesliga, with his leadership at such a young age picked out as a strength.

‘What truly sets Luka apart is his incredible will to win,’ said Polzin. ‘He always wants to improve. His attitude towards being a professional footballer is top-notch.

‘I’ve only had the privilege of working with a handful of players who have such a mindset.’

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