Liverpool and Real Madrid go head-to-head in race to sign ‘special’ defender
Liverpool and Real Madrid are among the top clubs keen on signing Luka Vuskovic as he makes waves at Brighton, sources have told Football Insider.
Vuskovic is emerging as one of the best young centre-backs in football as he nails down a spot as a regular starter for Brighton.
The Seagulls splashed out a club-record £46million fee to prise the 19-year-old from Tottenham in the summer and he is already well on his way to justifying such a figure.
Vuskovic has started in all seven of Brighton's Premier League games so far, as they sit third in the table with 16 points.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool and Real Madrid each hold an interest in his services ahead of another potential move in 2027.
Andoni Iraola and Liverpool's chiefs will have the chance to see the teen defender up close this weekend as they host Brighton in PL action on Sunday.
Luka Vuskovic attracting attention from top European sides after strong Brighton start
Vuskovic has been a key part of the joint-strongest defence in the Premier League so far, with just five goals conceded and five clean sheets kept up to now.
He could be on the move next year after a short spell at the Amex Stadium, such is the impression he is making each week under Fabian Hurzeler.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He looks like a special talent - there's no getting away from that. This form is going to attract interest from top clubs, not just in the Premier League but across Europe.
"There's been talk of Real Madrid also being interested in Vuskovic, and I'm sure Liverpool are as well. A lot of the top guns are keeping tabs on the Croatian international because he does look like a player with huge potential who probably will only get better and better.
Vuskovic's PL stats prove his potential to be special
He will not come cheap, as sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Brighton believe Vuskovic is already a £100m talent just a few months after they signed him for less than half that fee.
The Croatian is a leader among top-flight centre-backs for several key metrics, including successful pass percentage (89.8), duels won per 90 (6.99, 87th percentile) and aerial duels won per 90 (4.51, 90th percentile).
He is also in the 90th percentile for goals conceded while on pitch per 90 (0.73), 80th percentile for clearances per 90 (7.28) and 90th percentile for non-penalty xG (0.16).