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Bryan King believes Tottenham will prefer loaning out young defender to a Championship club

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 8:44 AM ET

Thomas Frank is expected to give Luka Vuskovic chances to impress himself in the upcoming pre-season before making a decision on his future

It has been a slow start to the summer for Tottenham Hotspur on the transfer front, and many supporters will no doubt be growing worried, considering the business our rivals have done since the window started on June 1.

The North Londoners had the chance to use the Europa League success as a springboard for new signings, but the inability to get deals over the line has sucked the excitement of the fans. So far, they have confirmed the permanent captures of Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, while young Japanese defender Kota Takai is set to join from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale.

Spurs are set to embrace the return of several loanees. Luka Vuskovic, Ashley Phillips and Alfie Dorrington are the centre-backs who will return to the club after their successful loan spells.

Despite only turning 18 back in February, Luka Vuskovic has already made his senior debut for Croatia following his outstanding loan spell with KVC Westerlo. The towering centre-back joined KVC Westerlo last July and was solid throughout the last season, netting an eye-catching seven goals and supplying three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.

Transfer news guru Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this year that Tottenham officials were delighted with the development of the Croatian defender at KVC Westerlo. Vuskovic admitted in May that he has been looking forward to joining his teammates at Spurs after performing very well in Belgium.

The young gun’s rock-solid displays at the back for KVC Westerlo has seen plenty of clubs across Europe eye a loan deal. German club Hamburg are among the clubs interested in Vuskovic, but ex-Spurs scout Bryan King feels the North Londoners would prefer to send him out on loan to a Championship club next term to help him adapt to the demands of English football.

“Tottenham might keep him in England,” Bryan King exclusively told Tottenham News.

“They could loan him out to a Championship club. I think that would be a good way for Vuskovic to get a feel of what English football is all about. It is a tough league, the Championship.

“It would be common sense for Frank to take a look in pre-season, but then it will depend on what is happening with the other centre-backs. However, I think a loan move makes more sense. It is far better that he is playing football than sitting on the bench or playing with the Under-21s.

“First-team football in the Championship is far better than playing for the Under-21s, and it will force him to grow up more quickly.”

Thomas Frank is expected to use the upcoming pre-season to take a look at some of the youngsters at the club. There are no second thoughts about Vuskovic being talented. However, if Tottenham manage to keep hold of Cristian Romero for another season and adds another centre-back to the squad, the position will become stocked.

This could see Vuskovic become the fourth or fifth choice at the club. Thus, a move to a Championship club then would be logical to help the young Croat continue his development. But if the Lilywhites do not sign a new central defender, there will be a big possibility of Frank keeping the Split-born talent in the squad for depth to compete in multiple fronts next term.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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