Real Madrid will reportedly compete with Barcelona in the race to sign 18-year-old Croatian wonderkid Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Luka Vuskovic is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are eager to bolster their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 18-year-old Tottenham Hotspur defensive sensation has emerged as a target for Los Blancos.
The latest report has revealed that the Croat’s exploits during his loan spell with Hamburger SV have earned him an admirer, with Florentino Perez pushing to bring him to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. However, the Merengues are not alone in the battle for Vuskovic’s signature, as Barcelona will also look to sign him from Tottenham.
Luka Vuskovic and his young career so far
Luka Vuskovic is the latest promising prodigy from his homeland to rise in prominence. Born in Split, the Croat spent most of his formative years thus far in his hometown, passing through the youth division at Hajduk Split before graduating from the club’s academy. The 18-year-old spent the 2024/25 season with KVC Westerlo, and he completed his long-awaited move to Tottenham Hotspur last summer.
However, Vuskovic has yet to establish a foothold in the North London outfit’s first-team squad, as they loaned him to Hamburger SV. The Croatian wonderkid has made significant progress at the Bundesliga club, making 21 appearances in all competitions while chipping in with four goals. Meanwhile, Vuskovic’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.
La Liga move on the horizon?
Barcelona’s interest in Luka Vuskovic makes sense. The reigning La Liga champions are combing the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window, as Andreas Christensen faces an uncertain future at Camp Nou after an injury-riddled 2025/26 campaign. Additionally, Ronald Araujo has been inconsistent in recent seasons. So, Vuskovic has emerged as a viable target for Barcelona.
As for Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30, and the duo faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu. So, Vuskovic is an option worth considering for Real Madrid, with Florentino Perez an admirer of his talent. However, convincing Tottenham to sell the 18-year-old Croat will be a tall order, as widespread reports have suggested that the Lilywhites have no interest in parting ways with him.
Recent reports have also claimed that the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League winners are not fretting over Vuskovic’s future. So, a summer move for the Croatian defensive sensation may not be on the cards, meaning Barcelona and Real Madrid must look elsewhere amid their search for a new centre-back.