Tottenham Hotspur overcame competition from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain to secure a deal for Luka Vušković, according to L’Avenir.
The 18-year-old’s rise at Hajduk Split attracted interest from several European clubs, including Spurs, Manchester City and PSG.
L’Avenir state Manchester City had held talks with the Croatian side but couldn’t sign him and PSG also failed in their efforts.
Tottenham were successful and agreed a deal with Hajduk Split in September 2023, for the defender to arrive at the club in the summer of 2025. He turned 18 years of age in February and therefore, has to wait until the next window to join Spurs.
The centre-back made handful of appearances when the north London club reached an agreement for his transfer.
He’s been on loan at KVC Westerlo since last summer and starred for them this season. Despite operating in the middle of the defence, the Croatia U21 international scored seven goals and registered two assists.
Vušković had a detailed chat with L’Avenir, where he explains how Spurs convinced him to join them.
“I heard about Tottenham’s interest just a few weeks before my signing,” he said.
“I walked into the locker room after training and got a call from my father: ‘Tottenham want you, everything is in order, all that’s missing is your signature!’ I was obviously surprised, as I had only played eleven games with Hajduk Split.”
“I visited the training complex and the stadium. The English management gave me a presentation, highlighting my strengths and also the areas for improvement. I was quickly won over by the project.”
Tottenham paid €11m for the youngster and on the transfer fee, Vušković explained: “When I heard €11m, I just thought about the fact that I was breaking the record for Hajduk Split’s biggest sale.”
“It was an incredible feeling to financially help this club that means so much to me. As for the rest, I saw this transfer as a reward for my daily work, that’s all.”
The Croatian will arrive at Tottenham in the summer and remains optimistic of finding a place in their starting lineup.
“I think it’s possible, even though there are already world-class players, like Van de Ven and Romero. I want to take it step by step: finish the season well at Westerlo, then earn my place at Tottenham, and then we’ll see what the future holds,” he added.
