Brighton leads Barcelona in race for Luka Vuskovic

Brighton have moved ahead of Barcelona in the pursuit of 19‑year‑old centre‑back Luka Vuskovic. David Ornstein reported that Brighton have tabled an offer of around €35 million for the Croatian defender, who is owned by Tottenham. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have struggled to find a reliable partner for Pau Cubarsi in central defence for the 2025/26 season. The club therefore listed central defence as a priority area in the summer transfer window. Barcelona had asked Pini Zahavi about Vuskovic, but the interest did not progress beyond surface‑level. Vuskovic impressed on loan at Hamburg, showing promise as one of Europe’s most promising defenders. He is right‑footed but comfortable on his left, allowing him to operate on the left side of a back four. His ball progression, composure, physical presence and set‑piece threat fit the profile Barcelona seek for Flick’s high‑line system. Brighton have already reached an agreement with Vuskovic and are now negotiating with Tottenham, which is likely to ask for a higher fee. Barcelona, constrained by financial limits and prioritising an attacking signing, are not in a position to match Brighton’s terms. Selim Sudheimer supplied the first photograph. David Ramos supplied the second photograph.