Brighton's £46m record spend signals a new era for Vuskovic

Brighton have sealed a club‑record £46 million transfer for Croatia defender Luka Vuskovic, a deal that could rise to £50 million with add‑ons, after turning down two earlier bids. The 19‑year‑old, who will undergo a medical after Croatia’s World Cup campaign, is expected to join the Seagulls in the summer.

Brighton rejected two offers for Vuskovic last month before reaching the current agreement. The deal includes clauses that could lift the total outlay to £50 million.

Born in Split, Vuskovic progressed through Hajduk’s academy and debuted in Croatia’s top flight at 16, becoming the youngest player to appear. He also set the club record as its youngest goalscorer.

Last season he spent time on loan at German side Hamburg, featuring in 30 Bundesliga matches and netting six goals. His performances have placed him among Europe’s most highly rated young centre‑backs.

In September 2023 Vuskovic signed a pre‑contract with Tottenham Hotspur that scheduled his move for 2025. The Brighton transfer accelerates that timeline, bringing him to the Premier League a year earlier.

The £46 million fee marks Brighton’s highest ever expenditure on a player, underscoring the club’s willingness to invest in emerging talent. The agreement arrives as the market for promising defenders continues to inflate, and Brighton will face Portugal in a last‑32 tie on Friday.