Brighton have completed the signing of Croatia international Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham in a deal worth a club-record £46 million. The 19-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract, while the agreement also includes an option to extend his stay by an additional season.
The Seagulls had previously seen two offers rejected before reaching an agreement with Spurs. The overall value of the transfer could eventually climb to £50 million if various performance-related add-ons are triggered.
Vuskovic originally secured a move to Tottenham from Hajduk Split in 2025 after an agreement had been reached with the Premier League side two years earlier. Soon after arriving in north London, he spent last season on loan with Hamburg, where he featured 30 times in the Bundesliga and scored six goals.
Hurzeler outlines plans for new arrival
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler revealed the club had monitored Vuskovic’s progress for a considerable period and believes the defender has already shown his ability to perform at a high standard.
Hurzeler explained that Brighton now wants to help the Croatian continue his development within the club’s environment. At the same time, he stressed that the teenager will require patience as he adapts to the demands of both the Premier League and his new surroundings.
Despite the attention surrounding the transfer, the Brighton manager expressed confidence that Vuskovic has the mentality to handle the expectations and settle successfully into the squad.
Defensive reshuffle at both clubs
Vuskovic’s arrival comes as Brighton parts ways with Netherlands centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, who has completed a move in the opposite direction by joining Tottenham on a long-term contract worth £52 million.
The Croatian defender will now fill the vacancy created by Van Hecke’s departure as Hurzeler reshapes his defensive options ahead of the new campaign.
Rapid rise from Split to the Premier League
Born in Split, Vuskovic progressed through Hajduk Split’s academy and made history by becoming the youngest player to appear in Croatia’s top division at the age of 16. He also went on to become the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
His performances during the previous Bundesliga season earned him the Rookie of the Season award as well as a place in the league’s Team of the Year. On the international stage, he has already collected six senior appearances for Croatia, scoring once, and made his World Cup debut against England during the group phase.
Brighton will begin their Premier League campaign at home against Aston Villa on Sunday, 23 August, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 BST.
