Tottenham have clearly told HSV Hamburger that Luka Vuskovic will not be allowed to stay beyond the 2025/26 season
Tottenham Hotspur allowed several players to leave on loan during the summer transfer window, knowing they’d not get enough opportunities to play under Thomas Frank this season. One of the players who went out on loan was Luka Vuskovic.
Having officially arrived at Spurs at the start of July, Luka Vuskovic quickly made an impact with his displays in pre-season. But, Thomas Frank and his coaching staff, along with the club bosses, decided a loan move would help him in his development, and the defender moved to newly-promoted Bundesliga side HSV Hamburger.
After a rough Bundesliga debut against Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, Luka Vuskovic has been among HSV Hamburger’s best players in recent weeks. He has cemented his spot in Merlin Polzin’s first XI with strong displays, helping Hamburg keep successive clean sheets against Union Berlin and Mainz. The Croatian international scored Hamburg’s first goal on their return to Bundesliga after seven years in the 2-1 home win over Heidenheim and recently was also named Bundesliga Rookie of the Month.
Tottenham want Vuskovic to continue his progress at Hamburg
Vuskovic’s impact and recognition at Hamburg has gone far beyond the pitch. As per journalist Alasdair Gold, the Spurs loanee has helped Hamburg sell 1000 shirts with his name on the back thus far.
Tottenham fans may have wondered whether the teenager’s impressive form in Germany will lead to him being recalled, but that does not appear to be the plan. According to German outlet SHZ, Spurs told Hamburg in the summer that they ‘absolutely’ want Vuskovic to see out the season on loan and do not plan to disrupt his progress by recalling him.
There are certain conditions required to be met before Tottenham can recall the defender. Firstly, the north Londoners need to have sustained two serious injuries in the defensive unit for a recall to be triggered. They also need to inform the German outfit a recall is happening before the middle of January, to allow them sufficient time to sort out a replacement.
The report adds Tottenham have clearly told Hamburg that the defender will not be allowed to stay with them beyond the 2025/26 campaign, as they aim to integrate him under Frank next season.
Vuskovic can fully focus at Hamburg now
There have been murmurings of late that Spurs were planning to recall Vuskovic during the January transfer window. However, the latest report from SHZ should put such claims down to bed, allowing the towering Croatian talent to fully focus on his current loan spell at Hamburg.
The young defender should continue developing and making the most of his opportunities in a highly competitive league like Bundesliga. Playing regular minutes in the Bundesliga would not help him toughen up physically, but also improve in his decision making and tactical nous. A full season in Germany would be hugely beneficial in the ex-Hajduk Split talent’s progress.
There are plans already being put in place to integrate Vuskovic into Frank’s first-team squad at N17 next term. How he regularly copes with the demands of Bundesliga football and reacts to different challenges throughout the season will be monitored closely by the Hotspur Way chiefs.
