Vuskovic opts for Real Madrid

Luka Vuskovic, Croatian center-back aged 19 from Brighton, sees Real Madrid as his dream destination for the future, despite interest from Liverpool, which is already tracking his performances ahead of the upcoming summer transfer market in 2027. The English club paid 54 million euros to Tottenham in July and now values the defender at around 100 million, with no release clause in his contract until 2031.

The information, revealed by journalist Florian Plettenberg, places the Croatian international among the most sought-after defenders in the European market. His quick adaptation to the Premier League has sparked interest from several top clubs, although his personal preferences lean towards Santiago Bernabéu.

Luka Vuskovic puts Real Madrid ahead of Liverpool

Liverpool has added Vuskovic to their list of candidates to strengthen their center-back position in the summer of 2027. The English club regularly monitors his progress and sees the Croatian as an alternative to plan for the future of their defense.

The player's contractual situation complicates any operation. Vuskovic signed with Brighton until June 2031 and does not have a release clause that would allow other teams to negotiate his acquisition outside of the English club.

Additionally, Brighton has no need to sell one of their starters just months after investing 54 million euros in his signing. His current valuation hovers around 100 million, an amount that would require any suitor to make a significant financial outlay.

Despite Liverpool's interest, Vuskovic's main sporting objective would be to wear the Real Madrid jersey one day. The desire to play at Santiago Bernabéu brings the white team into a potential medium-term operation, although it does not imply that there is currently any negotiation between the parties.

🚨🆕 Liverpool have Luka Vuskovic on their shortlist for next summer. The 19 y/o top defender is being monitored regularly. #LFC His contract at Brighton is valid until 2031. No release clause will be available next summer. Current price valuation: around €100m (+/-). Vuskovic is very happy under Fabian Hürzeler. However, his dream is to join Real Madrid one day. @SkySportDE 🇭🇷

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 12, 2026

Barcelona already tried to sign Luka Vuskovic when he was at Tottenham

Barcelona is also acutely aware of the financial difficulties involved in acquiring Vuskovic. During the last summer transfer window, when he was still with Tottenham, the Catalan club inquired about his situation to strengthen Hansi Flick's defense.

The Catalan entity was looking for a center-back capable of playing on the left and had identified the Croatian as an alternative for their defensive project. However, Tottenham's financial demands, around 60 million euros, ultimately pushed the player away from Camp Nou.

In the end, Barcelona closed the transfer window without acquiring the center-back they aimed for. Now, with Vuskovic at Brighton and a valuation close to 100 million, his return to the Blaugrana agenda seems even more complicated.

The Catalan club will also need to keep an eye on Liverpool's movements, particularly given the situation of Ronald Araújo, who appears in the backdrop of potential defensive changes for the English club. Any movement in that position could disrupt plans for several top European teams.

Brighton is in no hurry to sell their Croatian center-back

The numbers explain why Vuskovic has generated so much interest. During his loan to Hamburg in the 2025-26 season, he played 30 matches and scored six goals, statistics that contributed to boosting his market value before returning to Tottenham.

In July 2026, Brighton managed to close his signing for 54 million euros, in a deal that set a record investment for the club. Since then, the defender has settled under Fabian Hürzeler's management.

His performance has also translated to the Croatian national team. At just 19 years, he is already part of the national team's plans and has accumulated international experience in a position that usually requires more competitive exposure.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid is preparing changes in their defense. The continuity of Antonio Rüdiger is uncertain, and Éder Militão also affects planning due to his physical issues. The acquisition of Dean Huijsen and the situation of Jacobo Ramón, who is developing at Como, are part of the alternatives to renew the defense.

However, Vuskovic's price poses a significant obstacle. Brighton is not considering facilitating his departure and has a contract with the player until 2031.

The summer of 2027 will be the first moment when Liverpool could attempt to move for Luka Vuskovic, while Real Madrid retains the appeal of being his long-term preferred destination. Barcelona will also need to evaluate if it can compete financially for a player whose value already reaches 100 million euros.