Luka Vuskovic
Hamburger SVCB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Feb 24, 2007 (19)
Right
6'4"
190 lb
Signs with Brighton
Vuskovic signed with Brighton on a five year deal with an option for a further year after departing Tottenham, the club announced.
Analysis: Vuskovic came through Hajduk Split's academy, making his senior league debut two days after his 16th birthday in February 2023 to become the joint youngest appearance maker in Croatian top flight history. He spent time on loan at Radomiak Radom and Westerlo before a loan move to Hamburg last season, where he won four Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards and the overall Rookie of the Season honor while earning a spot on the Bundesliga Team of the Year. The center back has scored 16 goals in 78 senior club appearances and has also netted for Croatia, whom he represented at this summer's World Cup. Vuskovic is expected to add depth and long term upside to Brighton's backline following a breakout campaign.
Links back with Tottenham
Vuskovic will return to parent club Tottenham following the conclusion of his loan spell at Hamburger.
Analysis: Vuskovic made 28 Bundesliga appearances including 27 starts across 2,441 minutes, contributing six goals alongside a dominant defensive output of 22 tackles, 40 interceptions and 251 clearances in what was an outstanding individual campaign. Vuskovic was representing Croatia at the World Cup, having made one appearance across 66 minutes, and will return to Tottenham following the conclusion of the tournament where new coach Roberto De Zerbi is expected to assess him as part of his first-team plans heading into the 2026/27 season.
Five clearances in loss Wednesday
Vuskovic generated five clearances and one interception in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to England.
Analysis: Vuskovic had to deal with the threat of Harry Kane and one of the world's best attacking lines, so the struggles were expected. To be fair, the entire defense had a subpar showing, and the Hamburg defender -- on loan from Tottenham -- actually led the team with five clearances. He could remain in the XI for Tuesday's game against Panama even if Croatia shifts to a back four.
Scores in 3-2 win
Vuskovic scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 3-2 win against SC Freiburg. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 65th minute.
Analysis: Vuskovic scored as Hamburg went on to win 3-2 against Freiburg. The defender has scored six goals this season. He returned to the starting lineup, having missed the last four games. This was the 10th game of the season that he has had two or more shots, but the first time he has put two shots on target.
Trains Thursday, doubtful Saturday
Vuskovic (knee) was back in team training Thursday and remains doubtful for Saturday's match against Frankfurt.
Analysis: Vuskovic was only training individually two days ago, but has made improvements, as the defender is now training with his teammates. This does leave the defender with a slight chance of making the call, as he was in training with two other players who are expected to return this week. He is a starter when fit, although his doubtful tag could leave him on the bench for his return. Either way, his return to team training should leave him at least available for the final two games of the season.
Working individually
Vuskovic has trained individually but is not yet ready for action, according to Lukas Dombrowski of Bild.de.
Analysis: Vuskovic is still recovering from a knee contusion and has seen some progress in his return, as the defender was able to train Tuesday individually. However, it will still take the defender more time to return, unlikely to face Frankfurt. They still hope for his return by the end of the season, although it will be close with only three games left.
Knee injury worse than expected
Vuskovic (knee) is unlikely to be available for Saturday's clash against Hoffenheim, with the injury proving more serious than the club initially anticipated, according to Bild.
Analysis: Vuskovic has been unable to return to individual rehabilitation training on the pitch since sustaining the knee injury in team training two weeks ago, limiting his work to indoor sessions only. The center-back's influence on Hamburger's defensive record has been stark, as the club conceded just 13 goals in 11 matches with him on the field in the second half of the season. Without him, the defense has struggled considerably, conceding seven goals across the last two matches against Stuttgart and Bremen. An extended absence would represent a major concern for Hamburger heading into the final stretch of the season.
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