Tottenham running scared: Liverpool target expected to leave | OneFootball

Liverpool have been busy planning for the future in the centre-back sector.

Giovanni Leoni was recruited last summer while Mor Talla Ndiaye was brought in in January. Then there’s Jeremy Jacquet - who will arrive at Anfield in the off-season.

The Reds are keen to add numbers to the centre-back department - with Ibrahima Konate out of contract in summer and Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk seeing their deals expire in 2027.

There are signs that Richard Hughes and Arne Slot are not done yet with a move being lined up for Luka Vuskovic.

Liverpool linked again with Luka Vuskovic

The 19-year-old Croatian centre-back is owned by Tottenham and has been enjoying a fruitful loan spell at Bundesliga side Hamburg.

Spurs are now planning to tie down the young stopper to a new deal and integrate him into the first-team picture next season.

That’s according to a report in Football Insider - which suggests the crisis-hit Premier League outfit are worried about the prospect of losing the former Hajduk Split defender to one of Europe’s biggest clubs this summer.

“Tottenham are extremely reluctant to lose Vuskovic and hope to extend his stay,” the report reads.

“Signing a new contract would see the centre-back commit his long-term future to Roberto De Zerbi’s side, as he remains a big part of Tottenham’s plans this summer.

“Liverpool are interested in signing Vuskovic after being alerted to his potential availability ahead of his return to Spurs.”

The report adds that Vuskovic’s entourage have been shopping him around ahead of the summer transfer window - meaning Liverpool could get in front of the opposition for a deal.

“Vuskovic’s agent has held talks over a move with Barcelona pushing for a move despite Spurs’ offer of a new contract,” the report reads.

"That is expected to frustrate the Premier League outfit given their plans to keep him as a key part of their first-team squad heading into next season.

“However, he could leave Spurs without ever having played a game for them should his agent get his wish, with clubs now encouraged to make moves,” the report concludes.

Luka Vušković: Situation summary

Luka Vušković is a 19‑year‑old Croatian centre‑back owned by Tottenham, spending 2025‑26 on loan at Hamburg, where he has quickly become a starting defender and fan favourite alongside his brother Mario.

Spurs signed him from Hajduk Split in a deal worth around £12m, with a long‑term contract running to 2030 that underlines how central he is to their planning.

He is a tall, front‑foot, right‑sided centre‑back who attacks crosses, dominates in the air and is happy to defend high, but can still be a little over‑aggressive stepping in.

On the ball he is confident playing out, hitting diagonals and switching play rather than just clearing long. Hamburg would love to extend the loan, but there is no option to buy and their hierarchy now publicly accept he must return to Spurs this summer.

Tottenham are signalling a pathway into their first‑team squad and considering an upgraded deal amid interest from top European clubs, so the most likely short‑term “destiny” is a 2026‑27 role with the main group, with another high‑level loan only Plan B.