(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Fri 6 March 2026 8:45, UK

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Luka Vuskovic is in talks over a move to Barcelona as things look set to go from bad to worse for Tottenham Hotspur.

The starlet has emerged as a key centre-back target for the Spanish giants this summer, as they are determined to provide manager Hansi Flick with at least one new defensive option for 2026-27.

The 18-year-old is widely regarded as one of the Lilywhites’ brightest young prospects, and he has excelled in the Bundesliga during his latest loan spell with Hamburg so far this term.

Vuskovic’s performances in Germany have caught the eye of late, while his parent club have found themselves dragged right into the thick of the relegation battle in the Premier League.

Tottenham’s summer transfer plans would not have factored in the possibility of losing one of their stars of the future, but that is exactly what they could be facing as some of Europe’s elite work towards a deal.

Barcelona launch Luka Vuskovic move, elite clubs to follow suit

Vuskovic finally joined Tottenham last summer, after they had previously reached an agreement to sign him from Hajduk Split back in 2023.

The Croatian immediately made a big impression with his pre-season displays for his new club, but previous manager Thomas Frank ultimately decided that he would be better served with another loan spell this term.

Vuskovic has started 21 of Hamburg’s 24 Bundesliga games so far, and currently stands among their top scorers with four strikes to his name in league action.

His displays haven’t gone unnoticed across the continent, and Barcelona have already begun “initial talks” with his entourage, according to Sky Sports Germany.

Hamburg are keen to strike a fresh loan agreement to keep the defender for another season, but the chances of that are understood to be “limited,” due to the competition that looks set to arise for the youngster.

“Numerous top clubs” are said to be chasing Vuskovic, as the race for his signature appears set to heat up ahead of the summer after Barcelona have made the first move.

Tottenham can’t win in current Vuskovic situation

Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider earlier this week that Tottenham are set for a “massive” exodus of players if they suffer relegation at the end of the season.

That could provide plenty of opportunities for their next generation to break through and blossom as first-team players, but the level of expectation that will be attached to representing the club in the Championship would be astronomical.

With that in mind, the North Londoners are facing something of a difficult situation when it comes to Vuskovic’s future.

They ideally won’t want to sell him and lose one of their most promising talents, but they equally will not want to risk throwing him into the firing line after a hugely damaging relegation, with the fans baying for blood.

His rapid development at Hamburg this season will have delighted Spurs until now, but it could also end up being responsible for them losing him in the worst possible circumstances.