Liverpool enter transfer tug-of-war with Barcelona for £12m wonderkid | OneFootball

Liverpool have already been linked with a whole host of players ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, with the Reds currently sitting outside of the Champions League spots, it's unclear whether they'll have what it takes to entice the quality of players they need to improve their ranks.

Indeed, they'll still qualify for the Europa League or the Europa Conference League but, most big-name players will want Champions League football at the very least.

This is why the outcome of the 2025-26 season is essential because, without qualifying for Europe's premier competition, they don't have many cards to play.

Despite this, players are still being linked with an Anfield move and, since the Reds are wanting to play for the future, it's not surprising to see some of the world's best talents and Liverpool being put into the same sentence.

But, since there are so many clubs who are vying for the next Virgil van Dijk or Kylian Mbappe, it's not going to be a walk in the park for Arne Slot and Richard Hughes.

Barcelona hold 'initial talks' with Luka Vuskovic after Liverpool were linked

One of the main questions to emerge from Anfield over the last few weeks is what their defence is going to look like next term.

Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have not been at their best this season and, with the Frenchman's future still undecided, everything is still up in the air.

This has caused several players such as Konrad Laimer, Nico Schlotterbeck and Micky van de Ven to be linked with an Anfield switch.

However, none of those names are exciting as Luka Vuskovic.

Vuskovic has long been linked with a Liverpool move but now, it seems like the reigning Premier League champions could have a bit of a fight on their hands to secure his services.

That is, according to an update from Florian Plettenberg via his personal X account.

"FC Barcelona are closely monitoring Luka Vuskovic and have added him to their shortlist for the summer," he wrote.

"Hansi Flick appreciates him. Initial talks have already taken place.

"Hamburger SV are pushing for a second loan. HSV

"Tottenham’s clear plan is to bring the 19 y/o gem back in the summer."

Luka Vuskovic would be an unreal signing for Liverpool

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Vuskovic has been lighting the Bundesliga up.

The Croatian is currently on loan to Hamburger SV from Tottenham and, even though Tottenham will want him among their first-team squad next term, an exit could be an enticing prospect for the 19-year-old.

He only cost Spurs around £12 million to bring in back in 2023 and, since Tottenham bought the youngster, he's gone from strength to strength.

And, even though he doesn't have any Premier League experience yet, the fact that Slot could morph him into whatever sort of centre-back he wants would be ideal.

Of course, the Reds already have Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet among their ranks for next season but, adding another young centre-back of Vuskovic's quality to his ranks would surely be an offer too good to turn down.

There's obviously no knowing what Liverpool's plans are this season but, if Vuskovic is on that list, they're certainly going to have a massive battle on their hands from most of Europe's top clubs.

However, if Spurs end up getting relegated, Slot's men could have the advantage, especially if they qualify for the Champions League.